Gym workout inspires portable pocket
Convenience is the bottom line when it comes to Kendra Kroll's new business.
Kroll created and is now selling a pocket, or carrying case, to hold everything from iPods, to make up to insulin pumps.
The PortaPocket is ideal when you don't have pockets or a purse and need to safely carry things, Kroll said.
"I haven't used my purse in a year," said the Prospect Heights entrepreneur.
Kroll, who came up with the concept about two years ago, created the PortaPocket that can be strapped on to your calf, thigh, arm or ankle. Different sized pockets are available to conveniently carry passports, small cameras, credit cards, inhalers or personal hygiene items.
The pockets and strap are made of nylon-coated neoprene that is lightweight. For small items, the pocket is attached with Velcro while a belt-loop mounting pocket is for larger items, Kroll said. The strap is soft and attached with Velcro. The idea originated while Kroll, 42, was working out at the gym. Items would fall out of her pockets while she was lifting weights. She figured there had to be a better way to hold keys, gym cards and MP3 players.
Kroll's creative side came out. Kroll says her favorite TV show is American Inventor.
"I get inspired by people who go after their dream," she said.
She first took her idea to a tailor. She spent time testing out the concept, measuring people's thighs at her gym, she said with a laugh. She then found a manufacturer in Taiwan. Kroll, who calls her business Undercover Solutions, charges between $10 and $25 for the pockets.
She has found that the medical community has taken to the pockets for insulin pumps and other needs. The pockets are sold at several hospital gift shops including at hospitals in Highland Park, Evanston, Downers Grove and Elmhurst. The product is also sold at the Wellness Center at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, A La Mode Collections in Arlington Heights and Dick Pond Athletics, a running store in Lisle.
The pockets are sold in four states, including the Purdue University bookstore, she added. It's also available online at portapocket.com.
Kroll grew up in Glen Ellyn and graduated from University of Michigan. She spent most of her career in the special events industry, mainly working with equipment and tents for weddings. She and husband, James, an electrical engineer, are raising a four-year-old daughter.
As part of Kroll's new business, she will display her merchandise at the Jewelry Fashion & Accessories show at the Rosemont Convention Center from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 26.
For more information, call (847) 809-3408.
Cupcakes for cancer: Jarosch Bakery, 35 Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village, is taking part in the fifth annual Cupcakes for a Cause, an effort to support children affected by cancer.
Participating bakeries in the weeklong event that started Monday, Oct. 20, will sell specially decorated cupcakes and donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale to CancerCare for Kids, a program that provides free, professional counseling and support services to children affected by cancer.
Last year's event raised more than $60,000 for the program. Parents can also visit the official Web site at cupcakesforacause.org, where they can donate their own virtual E-cupcake and send it to a friend. For every cupcake sent, a donation will be made to the program.
• Kim Mikus' columns run Tuesday through Friday. She welcomes comments at (847) 427-4567 or kmikus@dailyherald.com.