Some people see a problem and lament the lack of a solution. But others see a problem as an opportunity! Former 4-H member and elementary teacher Melanie Hurley enjoyed painting the nails of her two young daughters, but was appalled by the toxic properties of traditional nail polish. She wondered why there wasn’t a safe alternative for youth. Instead of leaving the question unanswered, she created a solution in the form of a product, Piggy Paint, which gives her and other mothers an alternative that is as “natural as mud.”

One of Melanie’s favorite activities with her daughters, ages 2 and 4, was nail painting. However, she observed the harmful chemical properties of nail polish when she inadvertently dropped a little of it on a foam plate. She watched with revulsion as the plate bubbled and started to dissolve. The thought of putting the corrosive polish on her daughters’ fingers, which could easily find their way into their young mouths, worried Melanie. How many kinds of negative side effects could nail polish have on small girls? She did not wait to find out.

Melanie saw a market niche which hadn’t been filled. She had the idea to create a natural nail paint, good for the environment and non-toxic. Her next step was finding a manufacturer who could put her idea into practice. She found a partner in Pennsylvania who makes the water-based nail polish and could ship it to her.

The curtain rose on Melanie’s idea last September. It hasn’t taken long for her product to be discovered. It is now sold at 50 specialty boutiques, although most of her business comes from online sales.

So far, Melanie has had unique success with no formal product advertising. Most of her business comes from word of mouth advertising and a clever marketing strategy using the Internet. Melanie sent samples of her product to blogging sites which discuss parental issues. Moms tested her product and talked about it in their blogs. Positive reviews provided free advertising to mothers looking for advice and ideas. Her product has also been featured in mainstream magazine sites, which helped draw in international business. But Melanie sees further potential for her product. She has hired a PR firm to expand her advertising reach, and is working with sales reps and commission-based employees.

Like many first-time “mom-preneurs,” Melanie did not have previous business experience and didn’t think of herself as being a businesswoman. But by her own admission, she possesses a trait common to many entrepreneurs: thinking outside the box. Melanie is an artistic thinker, attracted to a lifestyle that emphasizes creativity.

And like most entrepreneurs, Melanie has had some help along the way. Without previous business experience, Melanie consulted family and friends for advice. Of particular assistance was a lady with whom she used to work, Melanie Martin, owner of “Little Red Riding Hoods” and “The Martin House.”

Piggy Paint is not simply a product, but is also personal for Melanie. The business has allowed her a flexible schedule working from home and spending time with her daughters. She tries to incorporate parts of herself into her product. Color names such as Mac and Cheese Please, Clouds of Candy, and Forever Fancy are inspired by her daughters and designed to inspire the imaginations of little girls.

She also understands the responsibilities and leadership roles that entrepreneurs often play in a community. She hires local help as much as possible. She has become more aware of the role local entrepreneurs play in a community network. Whether it’s the postal official or the Fed Ex guy who handle packages to and from her home office, community associates are thankful for the business she provides and are familiar with her importance to local business.

Melanie was a part of 4-H for many years, taking advantage of artistically oriented projects such as cake decorating, cooking, ceramics, sewing, etc. She still remembers being very proud of her first blue ribbon cake and feels it is important that 4-H recognizes youth for effort.

In addition, she views 4-H as an important complement to traditional schools. As a teacher herself, she sees how important non-traditional education experiences can be for youth. “Especially with arts being taken out of schools, it makes 4-H even more important. It allows kids to see what they’re good at. Then you can turn what you’re good at into leadership skills.”

Melanie Hurley makes sure to emphasize a personal touch with her business and networking. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the 4-H alum understands the importance of the youth development program in her life. “Just being in 4-H has given me confidence to develop in life, to experience self-exploration.” It appears her 4-H exploration is paying off.

Find out more about Melanie and her business at http://piggypaint.com/.

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If you know a 4-H alumnus who has applied their “Clover experience” to becoming a successful entrepreneur, please contact Adam Lofti at acl7f4@mizzou.edu  or 573-884-7929.