You may be surprised to know that the most deadly animal in the world is the lowly mosquito. Even in today's enlightened age of bug sprays and repellants, mosquitos cause more than a million deaths each year. Consider that a child dies from the mosquito borne malaria every 30 seconds.
But as we have seen in the past few years, these pesky bugs also carry the Zika Virus, Wet Nile Virus and Dengue Fever - all three claiming victims in South Florida. Until Kelley Higney came on the scene, mosquito repellents were coils, vaporizers, sprays, mats, creams and bands. That market is projected to reach $5 Billion dollars in a few short years with an average annual growth rate of over 7%.
Kelley's product is aptly named "Bug Bite Thing" and her proposition is to apply this device to a mosquito bite which will then suck out the poison that causes the itching. But it's good for more than just mosquito bites. It works on bee and hornet stings, spider bites, any bites, black flies and a lot more!
How Kelley found this tool - in Europe of all places - and why she decided this was THE business for her is a compelling story that you are about to learn. Launching into entrepreneurship with a tiny suction tool that is readily available in Europe took a lot of gumption!
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE
Kelley Higney
Kelley Higney was thrilled with the move to South Florida a few years ago from California. The family looked forward to continuing their outdoor lifestyle and the beautiful sun, sand and fresh air. But one thing they weren’t prepared for were the bugs, especially the mosquitoes…It was affecting their desire to be outdoors because of the fear of being bitten. She learned of a product available in Europe and Asia that would literally suck the poison out of a bite or sting and now the rest is history.
Palm Beach SCORE
Palm Beach SCORE is a non-profit who's mission is helping local small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs grow and thrive by offering mentoring, workshops, business consulting and counseling services, networking opportunities, events and partnerships within the Palm Beach / South Florida business corridor.
SCORE-ing Your Business' host Penny Pompei serves as Chapter Chair for our local Palm Beach SCORE Chapter #224, located in beautiful downtown West Palm Beach.
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Key Topics
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- In Business
- Women Entrepreneurs
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