Got a great idea? Bring it downtown
Twelve-year-old Olivia Ustas of Addison has an idea that could make her a millionaire.
The Indian Trail Jr. High School sixth-grader designed a horse-shaped holder for the dozens of head bands, barrettes and other hair accessories girls her age tend to accumulate.
Since it's shaped like a horse, she named it "Ponytail Express."
Ustas uses it every day, and it not only organizes her hair stuff, but "it also adds a little flair to my bathroom," she said.
Because her invention has wowed her classmates, Ustas decided to bring her Ponytail Express downtown this weekend and show it to a panel from "Everyday Edisons."
The popular PBS show is holding an open casting call Saturday in Chicago, and anyone who has a good idea -- whether it be scrawled on a napkin or made into a prototype -- is invited to come and make their pitch.
"As long as you can communicate it, that's all you need," says the show's producer, Northbrook native Louis Freeman.
Now in its third season, "Everyday Edisons" has already had numerous success stories. One is the Löopa bowl, a no-spill baby bowl designed by two frustrated parents in Season 1, which is now sold at Bed, Bath & Beyond. The inventors are receiving the royalties, Freeman said.
"Every single person has an idea," he said. "There's just not a good credible place to take an idea, because there are all of these invention scam companies out there," he said.
The best thing about Saturday's casting call is that it's not like a reality show where they're going to film people and belittle them on TV.
"Even if you don't make it on the show, what you will leave with is enough information to advance your idea, or to help you avoid making classic mistakes," Freeman said.
Representatives from several major retailers, including QVC, Home Depot and Staples, will also be there to help screen potential contestants.
And remember: there's no such thing as a stupid idea.
"Someone would say the pet rock is really stupid, but it made the inventor millions of dollars," Freeman said. "If it's a marketable idea, we're going to help make the dream come true."
Open casting call for "Everyday Edisons"
Where:
McCormick Place, South Building, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
When:
Saturday
Admission:
Free
Info:
www.everydayedisons.com
Also:
Registration is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. A panel from the show, as well as representatives from several major retailers, including Home Depot, QVC, and Bed, Bath & Beyond, will be there. The event will also have free seminars and information booths.