Hi! My name is Felipe. My friends call me Feleeps (Phở - Leaps),
and my journey into the world of product invention spans over a decade, a tale that has its roots in childhood obsessions, creative sparks, and the relentless pursuit of opportunities.
As a youngster enchanted by the vibrant world of LEGO, I never pondered the age-old question of "what do I want to be when I grow up?" If playing with those colorful bricks was a profession, that was it—I was destined to build. Growing older, the realization dawned that creativity could pave the way to professions like product design, interior design, architecture, or fashion. The allure of weaving stories around products became my passion.
Raised by a single, supportive mother, our weekends were filled with errands and shopping expeditions. The aisles of Target became my modern design haven, a place where the power of retail fascinated me, and the psychology of consumer choices intrigued me.
Trips to Michaels Arts & Crafts and The Home Depot became my Sunday rituals, with my mom's sewing basket and my toolbox as constant companions. I was that kid who found joy in inventing things from seemingly useless items, dismantling broken things just to understand their inner workings.
In an era pre-YouTube and dial-up internet, I immersed myself in infomercials and educational channels, fostering a curiosity that set the stage for what was to come.
Fast forward to adolescence, where my friends dubbed me Martha Stewart and MacGyver. Our eclectic group, reminiscent of the all-boys version of "Mean Girls," embarked on unconventional adventures, fostering a love for art, indie movies, metal music and fashion.
Venturing into the workforce with odd jobs and phone surveys, I honed my skills in making products sound interesting, learning the mechanics of sales, and realizing that everything in life was a numbers game.
College beckoned, and I chose the path of advertising, a journey marked by the introduction of the iPhone in 2007. Amidst the challenge of finding a job post-graduation in 2011, I turned to waiting tables, reading business books, and stumbled upon an invention company called Quirky, becoming one of their top inventors globally.
Simultaneously, I reached out to Fred & Friends, bombarding them with hundreds of ideas a week. The persistence paid off with the creation of "Stopped Up," a sink plug-inspired bottle stopper for wine bottles.
The thrill of inventing products opened doors to royalty advances, and the realization that this could be more than just a creative pursuit. From novelties to best sellers, I transitioned from being an adman to an industrial designer, forging partnerships and navigating the complex world of startups, manufacturing, and fundraising.
Looking back, my journey is a testament to the idea that the world is full of doors, and with relentless knocking, opportunities unfold. My mission is ongoing, but with every knock, I inch closer to realizing my dreams.
And remember, this story is not sponsored by Target—it's fueled by passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of possibility.
Thank you!