giveaway

Andrew Winarski has developed some of the handiest patches for kids clothing, any parent could imagine.  She’s launched a very innovative product called Grab a Scab. When I saw Andrea’s creations, I really was impressed. You can use Grab a Scab’s to patch up those torn jeans (That’s what I’m using mine for) or to create a new look for a bag, a piece of clothing or simply as a label. I have never come across a sticker that is so durable it’s machine washable. It’s no wonder this product has been the recipient of multiple awards already.

Grab a Scab are offering one lucky reader a $50 Grab a Scab package. The giveaway is open to everyone, worldwide. All you have to do is leave a comment below and tell me where you’re from and which design on the Grab a Scab website is your favourite. Don’t forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter too. Super simple! I’ll announce the winner on Saturday 9th October 2010 – NZ time.

Your scabs are a brilliant invention. I’m really impressed with the way they work. No sewing or ironing; how long did it take for you to come up with something that would work?

Thank you!! I toyed around with the idea for over a year. I was working full time but I promised myself that every week I would do one thing to move my idea forward. Some weeks it was just ordering a different adhesives online or washing a test strip 10 times. In Oct 2009, I finalized the adhesive; in June 2010 I printed the first batch. The whole process was two steps forward and one step back.

What’s a normal day like for you?

Busy! Like everyone else with young kids, time is scarce. There is always something going on. A normal day is a non-stop balancing act of coordinating the children’s schedules, working on Grab A Scab, managing the house (Laundry, groceries, meals, cleaning…). In the end there is very little me time but I do prioritize working out 3 times a week. That is my sanity.

Last vacation you took?

My mother took our family and my sister’s family to Walt Disney World in May 2010. Eight years ago, when my eldest son was born (her first grandchild), she promised herself that when her youngest grandchild was old enough that she would take all the kids to Disney. My mom was a single mother who had no financial help from my father from the time I was 12 so this trip was a really big deal. My mom is an amazing woman! This trip meant the world to all of us.

What’s inspiring you right now?

My family-my husband, my sister, my mom, my kids-and my customers. Since I launched Grab A Scab in June 2010, the feedback has been terrific. I have won a Best Product Award from Parent Tested, Parent Approved, PTPA, and a Best New Product Award from Creative Child Magazine. Moms across Canada and the US have written some terrific blog reviews and kids love the Scabs. I know that I am doing something that people like.

What would be your dream day?

Sleeping in, a leisurely breakfast with just my husband (not cooked by me), an outdoor activity with the kids and a picnic lunch, after that the kids could go and I would have an afternoon nap and a long romantic dinner with my husband. From the sounds of this, I realize that I am very tired!

Five fun things about Andrea:

That is a hard one. I find that I am working so much that I am not the most fun! I do like physical activity. I am always up for swimming, skiing, running or dancing. I love playing with my kids-Lego and tickle fights although they can all beat me at Wii. I love cheering my kids on when they play hockey and I often get misty eyed when they score a goal.

On Andrea’s desk you will find..

Everything! Club Penguin tokens, hidden under mock- ups for retail packages for Grab A Scab, tossed beside my son’s terrarium. It changes every day. The only constant is my laptop and a great picture of my three kids one week after my daughter was born. That picture always makes me smile.

What drives you?

I am very driven by the fact that I live in a country where opportunities are and always have been open to me. The very fact that I can do this, drives me to do it. Fortunately, I am the kind of person that always seeks out challenges. If for some reason, I think I can’t do something, I usually end up trying to do it!

The favourite design in your shop?

Scabbee is my favourite. I worked with my graphic designer, Amy Wetton, to develop him. I had a certain idea in my head and she was able to translate it onto paper. It was terrific to see him come alive.

Looking forward to?

Exhaling. Since Jan 2010, I have been working and working with my fingers crossed. I am looking forward to reaching the point where I can take a step back and think ‘Good Job!’.

{ 18 comments }