It is hard to believe it has been more than a decade since the Rainbow Loom was flying off the shelves at stores such as Learning Express and Michaels. As kids, it was difficult to notice the true innovation of this little loom kit. It was simple to put together and fun to play with friends, but the tools and loom itself were crafted carefully and beautifully so they could make bracelets, necklaces, and keychains for family and friends.
Like most entrepreneurs, Choon Ng’s success did not begin overnight. Ng spent many nights in the basement of his home in Detroit creating new patterns and styles with little rubber bands and hooks. He hoped to impress his girlfriend, Fan Chen, to allow him to invest a good sum of money into creating this product on a large scale. However, until they were married, she did not want him to spend that amount of money. After he asked her to marry him, she fully supported his product, and they worked tirelessly to make this idea a reality. As migrants from the Southeast Asian country of Milaysia, they had little money in their savings. The money they did have, was to go towards their daughter’s education. However, they realized they had gone in too deep to stop now. A factory based in the US was too expensive for the Ng family, so they chose a factory in China. After ordering 10,000 loom hooks, they realized the factory had made the wrong sized hooks. Choon Ng had to resize the hooks by hand. Even after having a kit made, their struggles only continued. Choon Ng tried selling online and even taking his product to the local mall. No one seemed interested. That was until Cindy and Malcolm O’Hara, who owned a Learning Express store, reached out to the couple and ordered 24 Rainbow Loom kits. They then placed an order for double that amount. Shortly after, they placed an order for $10,000 worth of kits. Before they knew it, Fan and Choon quit their second jobs to keep up with the orders. The Rainbow Loom was selling like crazy across America. Michaels also began selling the units as well.
Since then, more than 1.2 million kits have been sold. Choon Ng’s story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. The beginning of his and his wife’s journey creating their Rainbow Loom product was stressful and at times discouraging, but the reward for their hard work was great. If you are ever reminded of the Rainbow Loom possibly still sitting at the bottom of your closet, remember the time, care, and incredible innovation it took to create it.
To visit the Rainbow Loom store click here.
