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GROW business owner brings Michigan-made products abroad

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Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) business owner, Deb Tacoma, and her business journey are highlighted by Adrienne Asselmeier.
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Have you always wanted to start a business, but don't know how to get moving? Are you a business owner who is looking for further training, funding, and networking opportunities? Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) helps men and women achieve business success with free and low-cost resources. Learn more.

Deb Tacoma’s story is one of true entrepreneurship and invention.

The creator the Freedom Wand, a versatile, multi-purpose hygiene tool, has a strong bond with her customers because she was in a similar situation a few years ago. Deb was in an accident that left her with limited mobility for the first time in her life. She started down the long path to recover and found that the embarrassment and frustration of not being able to do one’s own personal care was enough to hinder the healing process. The tools that she tried to use to care for herself were lacking in several ways. They were not long enough for her frame, not portable, or not able to hold more than one item. Frustrated, she considered a better way and started working to make the idea into a reality.

Deb drafted the idea of what she named the Freedom Wand. With retracting fingers on the end of an extendable and washable handle, the device can hold any number of things that people need to use for personal care. She then worked with others to get it manufactured, and took advantage of local resources for entrepreneurs. Deb now runs her own business, Freedom Creators, selling the Freedom Wand to grateful customers around the globe.

The Freedom Wand, made in Michigan, has seen success in many forms. 

To read the full story, visit the Career Girl Network.

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