When Gabby Goodwin was 5 years old, her mother, Rozalynn, became frustrated because Gabby would return home from school every day without her hair barrettes. After Rozalynn vented about the problem on social media, the family's pastor suggested the Goodwins create their own barrettes that wouldn’t get lost.

Inspired, Gabby kept asking her mom when they could start a science project to create a solution for her lost hair accessories. Rozalynn finally agreed, and the mother-daughter duo embarked on their adventure in search of a better product. When they couldn’t find one, they invented their own solution -- GaBBY Bows, a double-sided barrette.

The end results included products, patents, trademarks, and a company where Gabby markets her own products and teaches other girls and moms how to start their own businesses. In 2016, GaBBY Bows was named the Outstanding Diverse Business at the 2016 SCORE awards.

To find the intellectual property owned by Gabby’s entrepreneurial efforts, see utility patent 9,788,628, design patents D738040, and D898,997, and registered trademarks numbers 5,903,263, 5,902,912, and 6,033,001. 

Gabby's story proves you are never too young to turn your ideas into reality.

Related links

Gabby and her mom Rozalynn on "The Real"
Kid entrepreneur invented a better barrette—and gained confidence, too
Pathways to invention, entrepreneurship, and STEM careers for K-12 and beyond

Are you the parent or guardian of a young inventor, maker, or entrepreneur? Contact us We'd like to hear your story!