Entrepreneurs Fred Larson and Deena Ravella have launched the KYSS Security Bag, inspired on the beautiful beach of Siesta Key.
“Like so many others, we moved here for the warm, sunny weather, but the icing on the cake was beautiful, relaxing Siesta Key Beach,” says co-founder Deena Ravella. “However, whenever we wanted to take a swim or a stroll, we found ourselves constantly looking back at our bag, hoping it was still there. In addition, we were frequently asked by others to watch their bags, let alone learning of friends that had actually had theirs stolen. NOT relaxing at all.”
“Once Deena mentioned the idea,” says Fred Larson, “I realized exactly how non-relaxed we had become. These days, we carry a lot of expensive items with us, such as our iPods and cell phones. It’s not just our wallets anymore. So I drew up a design. Everyone we showed it to absolutely LOVED it.”
So how difficult is it to have an idea and then bring it to fruition?
“Coming up with the idea was the easy part. Bringing it to market was a whole other story,” says Deena.
Larson, a former mechanical engineer, drew upon his skills to design the product. Ravella, a former dancer/choreographer/studio owner, drew upon her knowledge of what it takes to run a business – hard work, discipline, long hours, and an eye for detail.
The rest of the details had to be learned “on the job”, so to speak.
“Finding and then contacting manufacturers, coordinating the production and shipping of samples through e-mails, evaluating samples, finalizing the design, arranging payments and shipping, web designing, marketing and even patent writing…first, we had to learn about all of it, and then we had to implement it,” says Fred. “It is overwhelming at times.”
“But it all can be done,” says Deena. “In spite of the time and effort it takes, the process is still exciting, fulfilling, as well as a little scary at times, but well worth it. It’s a ‘job’ and a product that we’re proud of.”
Hence the KYSS (Keep Your Stuff Safe) bag with the built-in security system.
The design includes a theft-deterrent security lock that not only locks the bag closed, but allows the owner to actually lock the bag to another item, such as a cooler, chair, or even the lifeguard stand, easily and discretely. No easy target for a swipe and run theft.
“And it’s not just a beach bag.” says Deena. “I gave one to my girlfriend to try out, and she locks her valuables in it and attaches it to a desk drawer at the office. My daughters, who work as dancers and actresses and also wait tables, find it such a relief to not have to worry about their things as they perform and waitress.”
“The response has been tremendous!” says Fred. “We’ve barely gotten the word out, yet have sold bags to people from Massachusetts to Hawaii, in addition to a lot of Floridians.”
Inventor(s): Deena Ravella & Fred Larson
Deena Ravella: Deena was born in Schenectady, NY. She has been involved in the dance profession pretty much her entire life…dancer/choreographer/teacher and then studio owner for 14 years. During that time, she married, divorced, and raised two daughters, who are also involved in the dance profession.
Fred Larson: Fred was born in Lynn, Massachusetts. After graduating from high school, Fred went on to get his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from RPI in Troy, NY. He went to work as a design engineer for GE, and then changed companies and began working for Engine Systems. He received his Master’s Degree in Industrial Administration from Union College in 2000. Fred worked as an engineer for 18 years.
Fred and Deena met in upstate NY at a ballroom dance class in 1998. After getting engaged and moving in together, and feeling burned out and tired of the dreary Northeast weather, they decided to change their lives completely and move to sunny Sarasota, FL. After coming from their “dream” careers, they worked at various jobs after moving to Florida, but were never truly satisfied in any of their new “careers”. Their “aha” moment came one sunny day at their favorite beach, Siesta Key, when Deena came up with the idea for a security bag, and then Fred implemented it. Totally happy and committed to entrepreneurship, even though slightly intimidated by it at times (neither has ever worked in retail), they find it extremely interesting and rewarding. Although finding it a little difficult to launch a new product in these economic times, they are determined to find their niche and make it work. And they have ideas for more products that they can’t wait to implement in the near future!
1) One interesting thing we learned is that you can actually develop a product without ever actually talking to someone, doing it completely via e-mail! Working with our suppliers overseas, the time differential is such that they work while we are sleeping and vice versa, not to mention the language barrier. You send your e-mail before you go to bed, and then look for a return e-mail when you get up in the morning. Sounds like a crazy way to do business, doesn’t it?!
2) A great fact about the product itself is the absolute sense of relief I feel when I use it. Admittedly a bit of a chronic worrier, I can remember the times I wanted to leave our things and go for a swim. However, I had a system of always carrying a brightly colored bag and making sure I placed it to the side of my chair, facing the water. I would walk away, looking over my shoulder to check on the bag. I would go in the water, yet constantly seek out my bag, afraid to even turn around and look out at the ocean. I remember the very first day we used the security bag. Okay, I get a little carried away, and I pull the chain out as far as it goes, and then wrap it around everything I can…the handle of the cooler, the chair, and the little table we bring with us. If you want to steal my bag, you’re going to have to steal the bag, table, chair and cooler, all at the same time, and do it casually, without attracting attention to yourself! (By the way, you DO NOT have to wrap it around that many items…that’s just me! Fred laughs at me every time I do it.) The first time I used it, I was shocked at myself…I didn’t turn around even once! I didn’t even focus on that fact until we got back from our swim. I couldn’t believe that I, the chronic worrier, was relaxed enough with the security bag to not have to keep checking on it. Cool!
Lana says:
Jul 9, 2010 at 8:52 am
I purchased the bags for myself and as gifts for friends and relatives. Everyone absolutely loved them as did I. I recently made my first trip to the beach and brought it with me. I was able to go swimming and not worry about my belongings being taken. … more It's roomy and I was able to utilize it in multiple ways. Great idea, Great Product.
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Jane says:
Feb 10, 2010 at 10:03 am
What a great bag to use for knitting..can leave it anywhere and find it when I return. Thanks
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Donna G says:
Feb 10, 2010 at 9:05 am
This s a superb idea!! I WANT ONE!!! Maybe I'll get a few as gifts!
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Candace says:
Feb 9, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Recently, I performed at an outdoor event and had to leave my bag unattended for about 15 minutes while I was on stage. Sure do wish I'd had this then! GREAT idea!!!
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Erik says:
Feb 9, 2010 at 9:00 pm
This is a great idea!
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