When Life Gives You Lemons, Create Something That Helps Others Too
Sometimes, the best ideas come from the toughest moments. For me, the inspiration for PhoneSpuds was born during my recovery from long COVID and a head injury - a time when even holding my phone felt like a daily struggle because of pain and nerve damage.
I created PhoneSpuds because I wanted a pillow that could hold my phone. What started as a personal solution quickly became something much bigger: a way to help anyone dealing with hand fatigue, wrist pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel, or mobility challenges.
The Spark of an Idea
During my recovery, I found myself constantly dropping my phone or struggling to find a comfortable position for hands-free use. The phone stands and holders I tried just didn’t work for me—they were too rigid, or required more grip strength than I had. I didn't want something mechanical propped on my bed. What I really needed was something soft, supportive, and versatile—something that understood that our bodies have different needs on different days.
That’s when the idea for a plush, pillow-like phone holder came to me. I didn’t want to create just another tech accessory; I wanted to design a comfort tool that could adapt to different positions and needs, while keeping all my essentials within reach.
From Concept to Reality
Turning this idea into a real, patent-pending, trademarked product wasn’t easy—especially while managing my health. I had to structure my work around the times of day when I felt my best, dedicating mornings to focused development and reserving afternoons for meetings and collaboration. Thankfully, I began working with ProductMentor, and they helped me launch.
The result is PhoneSpuds—a soft, versatile phone pillow that stands vertically or
horizontally, features a clear pocket that fits most phones (6.75" x 4.25"), and includes a zippered pouch for accessories like earbuds, charging cords, or power banks. You can choose from Brown, Gray, or Leopard-Print. Each PhoneSpud is designed to make technology more accessible and comfortable for everyone.
Recognition and Growth
My journey with PhoneSpuds has taken me places I never expected. The product has been featured in Business Insider, CEO Weekly, and Yahoo Finance. In April 2024, I had the amazing opportunity to compete on Season 14 of Wes Bergmann’s reality TV show "The Blox," which helped bring national attention to my story and product.
Along my journey, I’ve also had the chance to connect with retail legend and original Shark Tank star Kevin Harrington and his team. Learning from their experience and insights has been incredibly valuable. Their encouragement and advice have helped shape my vision for what PhoneSpuds can become.
Real Impact, Real Stories
The most rewarding part of this journey isn’t the media coverage or business connections—it’s hearing from customers whose lives have genuinely been improved. One message that really stuck with me came from a user with Parkinson’s disease, who told me that PhoneSpuds enabled her to complete phone work that had become impossible with traditional setups.
That’s exactly why I created this. When you’re dealing with physical challenges, the little things that make daily tasks easier can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
Looking Forward
Today, PhoneSpuds is growing, and I’m already working on new ideas—like TabletSpuds and new colors and models. I’m committed to keeping accessibility and comfort at the heart of everything I do, and I personally handle customer support to make sure everyone gets the help they need.
This journey has taught me that innovation often comes from necessity, and that our greatest challenges can become our greatest contributions to others facing similar struggles.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Whether you’re dealing with hand fatigue, looking for better ergonomics, or simply want a more comfortable way to use your phone, PhoneSpuds offers a solution that was born out of real need and refined through real experience.
Over time, I’ve discovered that PhoneSpuds has found a home with an incredible variety of people. Some of our biggest fans are those living with arthritis, carpal tunnel, or chronic hand fatigue who finally have a comfortable, hands-free way to use their phones. Others are recovering from injury, illness, or surgery and need to reduce hand strain while staying connected.
Parents love PhoneSpuds for their kids and teens—especially gamers and video chatters—while caregivers appreciate having a practical, comforting gift for loved ones with mobility challenges. We’re also a hit with travelers, power bank users, people managing chronic illness, and even those who simply want a cozy, potato-shaped companion for bedtime scrolling. And yes, we have a special place in our hearts for anyone who just loves potatoes!
No matter your reason, if you want to make screen time easier and more comfortable, you’re in good company with the PhoneSpuds community. Discover your perfect PhoneSpud today and join the community of users who’ve found their comfort solution.
With love,
Kim
