Ever wish you could come up with a brilliant product that not only helps millions of people make their lives easier but also helps you get out of a financial rut? Yeah, me too. I watch entrepreneurs on a certain investing show every week and admit that I have a case of “why didn’t I think of that” itis. At the same time, it brings me such great bliss to see struggling families succeed and become smashing successes. One such entrepreneur made it big long before sharks were circling young inventors in an on-screen tank. You might have heard of her, since Jennifer Lawrence recently played her on the big screen!

PIC

*I partnered with Smiley 360 Blogger Circle to share Joy Mangano’s new book, Inventing Joy. I received the book and other Joy goodies free in exchange for sharing my honest thoughts.

Joy Mangano was a struggling single mom of three just over 30 years ago when she invented her first product in her father’s garage. Her industry-changing Miracle Mop went on to break records and laid the groundwork for what would become a global empire. Now, 30 years later, she holds more than 100 patents and trademarks for a huge range of really cool products, including everything from steamers to storage boxes. She’s sold over $3 billion in products worldwide. Her story captured the world’s attention, including director and writer David O. Russell, the genius behind the 20th Century Fox film “JOY,” starring the incredibly talented Jennifer Lawrence.

Her book, Inventing Joy, is a blueprint on how to redefine your life every day. She shares her ideas and insights that she’s learned throughout her own journey and inspires you to incorporate them into your own life. The fact that Joy wasn’t born with a silver spoon and didn’t have her legacy handed to her really makes us feel like anyone can accomplish greatness. I think too often we feel like if we don’t have the money, then we can’t get anywhere. We believe it when people say “it takes money to make money.” I despise that saying SO much because it’s like saying “well, if you’re broke, you can never be anything but broke, so don’t even try.” Creativity, ingenuity and a willingness to work hard for your dream will get you a lot further than just throwing money at the right person, and I think Joy Mangano is a testament to that.

Whether you’ve always dreamed of inventing something, have invented something, or just need a little inspiration to follow your passion, Inventing Joy is definitely a must-read. The chapters are short and to the point. While you will definitely get a glimpse into Joy’s life, she doesn’t prattle on and on or fill the book with fluff. Every last word is useful and informative in some way. I love that it’s not a self-help book, yet it gives you the motivation to help yourself. It’s not a biography, yet it gives you a look into her life. It’s not a how-to manual, yet it does give you tips on how to live the life you’ve always wanted. It’s definitely something different, just like Joy herself.

As for her products, like I said, they’re as diverse and fun as Joy! I love, love, love her covered storage boxes. They come in a ton of fun colors, or if you prefer, basic black. I got the black ones, but I’m thinking about picking up a set in violet as well. They’re only $19.95 right now. Crazy! I’m using the large one in my kitchen in the “everything that doesn’t have a home” spot. I didn’t take a before picture of this spot, but here’s an idea of what it looked like (add about ten more things in front of the bin), I haven’t done this side yet. 

Here’s my “after” shot of the done side:

SO much better, right? I used the smaller ones to organize my work area behind my “desk” (aka my dining room table). The Huggable Hangers® are another fabulous product to organize your closet, especially if your shirts and sweaters are constantly falling off hangers like mine are. I can never find my favorite shirts until I dig around the floor of my closet. 

Learn more about Inventing Joy and shop from her fabulous collection! Watch Inventing Joy on HSN!