Grandma Pearl’s Happy Canes

by Startacus Admin
Isn’t that title one of the most infectiously happy article titles you’ve ever read? It literally has the word happy in it, and when you find out what it is we’re actually talking about, you’ll smile even more.
Every once in awhile we come across a particularly noteworthy story from the fundraising platform ‘Kickstarter’; such as the Blaze project originating in London which we wrote about last week. The tale of Grandma Pearl’s stories however is one which should hopefully conjure that resolute belief which we try and instil when we insist that anyone – A-N-Y-B-O-D-Y – can become an entrepreneur if they have the idea.
Grandma Pearl (real name Pearl Malkin) is 89 years old and has just secured nearly $5,000 for her start-up. At the time of writing, there are three days still left before her deadline and an impressive 231 backers have meant she has already bypassed her original goal of $3,500 by some way.
Grandma Pearl’s product is, like many of the best ones, simple and a unique twist on an existing product. When she was diagnosed with Vertigo a few years ago, she was told she needed a cane to help her walk. Finding only plain and relatively dull designs, she decided to make her own walking cane somewhat different. Her ‘Happy Canes’ are beautifully decorated canes that are designed to somewhat brighten the day of whoever happens to be using them.
Pearl’s grandson Adam helped her to set up the Grandma Pearl Kickstarter account and it is frequently updated with updates on their progress and, originally, voicemails from Grandma Pearl herself. Her goal is to inspire both old and young to take the chances that could lead to successes like her own.
p.s For more age related inspiration check out our article on We are Nana - Anyone who tells you their best days are gone, needs to take a look at this!!
Written by Ethan Loughrey
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Published on: 25th March 2013
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