Andrea Cao was 13 years old when she created Q-Flex. The pain that inspired Cao was quite literally physical pain. Her mother’s back pain is what drove the innovation for her business. This is a great driving force next to one’s own personal pain as no one wants to see their mother struggle. The acupressure massage tool that she created was so clever that she figured she could make a profit off of it by selling it door-to-door. After eventually selling 800 units, Cao earned the opportunity to pitch on Shark Tank. Cao’s pitch went successfully however, she earned a $1.3 million deal with Barbara Corcoran. Cao explains that she is extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to present on Shark Tank. A show that is broadcast around the world has given her the opportunity to market to people who are faced with the same issue.
This story is especially inspiring to me as a young entrepreneur because Cao was extremely driven even at a young age. She went door-to-door in order to sell a product that she believed in and was ultimately able to help others who are experiencing physical. In addition to this, a unique aspect of Cao’s venture was the she was able to branch out into businesses that she was personally passionate about. For example Cao has maintained a lifelong passion for horses and the equestrian field. As a result of her success on shark tank, she has been able to purchase her own equestrian facility in California. Here, she is able to train and exercise horses. In addition, she also tacks and has an apparel company relating to horses. This is interesting to me because Cao was able to use her success and work towards something that she was passionate about on a personal level.
To learn more about Andrea Cao’s story, click here.
I love the Andrea Cao pursued something that she was passionate in and fulfilled a pain that was close to her. Being entrepreneurs, we all need to look for that pain and it can’t get much better when it becomes a personal pain that drive you all the more to make your dream happen.
This story is very cool! It is great that she had that opportunity to help so many people. I actually have a very close connection with this problem. My mom was bedridden for a very long time when I was between the ages of 4 and 7. She was unable to leave bed due to extreme back pain caused by herniated disks in her spine.
As someone with a disabled father I have a massive amount of respect for this invention and it’s creator/s. I’m sure this can become a great success as I am sure there are many others just like my dad.
It is always motivational to see people starting a business because they are trying to bring awareness to the cause that is affecting their loved one. This also shows how shark tank can give companies the awareness that they need to make a difference.
Andrea Cao has a very inspiring story. I believe it shows great humility that she started by selling units door to door before receiving an investment. Likewise, it is wholesome to see her mom be an influence in her business. Her ability as a diverse entrepreneur is clearly shown in both Q-flex and having an equestrian facility.
This innovation is quite interesting and I am impressed that Andrea Cao discovered a medical product at such a young age. It’s always heartbreaking to see family and loved ones struggle and I am very glad that she discovered a product that helps her mother and her back pain. Honestly, that takes a very intuitive and creative mind to figure out a process that one has achieved quite as well. She’s a very inspiring and passionate young girl who has inspired me to go after things in life and figure out a way to help people, especially people that you care about!