At just 7 years old, Lily Born started a journey that would one day become a successful business. Lily’s grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease when she was young. Parkinson’s disease affects many different parts of the body and motor function. As Lily’s grandfather’s disease progressed, he began struggling to accomplish everyday tasks such as holding a cup. Lily watched as her grandfather repeatedly spilled his drinks and decided she had to do something to help.
Lily began prototyping a new type of cup that wouldn’t spill. Over the next few years she experimented with moldable plastics and clay to determine her design. Lily landed on a unique, three-legged cup design that provided stability called the Kangaroo Cup. Lily and her father ended up traveling across the world to a manufacturer in China who helped with the project and perfected the design. With the help of the manufacturer, Lily could now produce both ceramic and plastic versions of her Kangaroo Cups and sell them to people around the world.
Lily Born was able to get financial help to push her business forward from platforms like Kickstarter
and Indiegogo. Through reliance on family, platforms, manufacturers, and friends, Lily created a successful business that is truly changing lives. Now 16 years old, Lily Born has sold tens of thousands of Kangaroo Cups. Lily is an inspiration to many and teaches young individuals that hard work and imagination pay off.
I love Lily’s story so much because it shows that anyone can be an entrepreneur if they see a problem and have a passion for creating something to fix it. I also think her design is super cool and I’m sure it has been so helpful for those struggling with conditions like Parkinsons.
This story is amazing because she is so young. She saw an issue that was happening to someone she loved and found a way to help others. She has surely helped so many struggling people in the world and will continue to do so as she grows up!
Not only is running your own entrepreneurial idea impressive, but to do it at such a young age is even more so. Definitely inspires me to go take initiative.