The Unstoppable Inventor

Lori Greiner is a problem-solver. Her first invention, a jewelry organizer, was born out of necessity back in ’96 while she worked at the Chicago Tribune and sold costume jewelry on the side.

(Click to read her exclusive profile.)

With a six-figure loan, little business ownership know-how and a drive that could not be deterred, she successfully turned that one idea into a $500 million dollar brand with more than 350 inventions.

Greiner has created products from expandable luggage and tote bags to cooking utensils and cosmetic organizers. She makes regular appearances on QVC and holds more than 100 U.S. and international patents.

Next on the horizon? A recurring role on ABC’s invention-based reality show Shark Tank, where she makes several appearances starting February 10th.

PINK: What’s the biggest concern for women business owners?
LG: There are a lot of steps that go into running a business and creating a product. Some women find it daunting or think it’s going to be too much and they’re not going to be able to do it. Just like with anything, you’ve got to start with step one. List out what you need to do, then methodically start to check things off the list. Before you know it, you’ve done 10 things when you never thought you could get passed five.

PINK: You’ve created hundreds of inventions. Where do you get inspiration?
LG: Sometimes it comes like a flash. Especially when I’m on airplanes. The phones aren’t ringing so I can think and focus. Up in the sky, I have a minute to breathe. A lot of it stems from issues I have in my own home. I like jewelry a lot, so I focus on making the best things to house that. Whatever it is – I try to find a way to make it better and more useful than what’s out there.

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By Caroline Cox

“Being tenacious, driven and not thinking about ‘can’t’ as a possibility
allowed me to succeed.” Lori Greiner