As of Aug. 19, NC State alumnus, Carol Sullivan, managed to acquire 120 percent of the funds needed for her kickstarter campaign. Her product, Kodi Bag, is advertised as the bag for women on-the-go, featuring a handbag that systematically fits into a larger tote. 

According to Sullivan, she has always been a busy woman, so the inspiration for Kodi Bag came from her own lifestyle. The Kodi Bag consists of two bags, a smaller handbag to keep everyday essentials and the other a larger tote for when the day calls for more storage.

“I wanted a cleaner look than carrying multiple bags around,” Sullivan said.

There are other convertible bags on the market, but Sullivan said she distinguishes her product by having an emphasis on style.  According to Sullivan, she designed The Kodi bag not only to be functional, but also to be a stylish accessory that looks good in a setting outside of the office.

With a patent to the design, Sullivan worked hard to bring an innovative product to the market. Her idea for magnet or velcro attachment mechanisms were not functional enough and sacrificed too much in style. Eventually, though, Sullivan came up with the idea of a turn-lock system to attach the bags with ease and without compromising the look of the product.

Sullivan later made the choice to use an online fundraiser. The idea of Kodi Bag started in 2009, but the kickstarter project did not begin until March 2014. The first weekend of the online fundraiser yielded 41 percent of Sullivan’s goal but came to a halt later in the first week.

“It was a constant rollercoaster,” Sullivan said. “You could have two days where you felt like a million bucks, and then next day you were doomed.”

Ultimately, kickstarter proved to be a great platform to launch the product because funding surpassed the goal. Not only did it bring funds to Sullivan but also media attention and even consumer feedback. 

“The momentum has continued after the project with sales and press,” Sullivan said.

With the funds raised, Sullivan now has a foot in the door to start production of the Kodi Bag. According to Sullivan, orders should be ready for shipping in time for the holiday season.

Sullivan graduated from NC State in 2003 with a degree in business management with a concentration in marketing. Sullivan said her professors encouraged her to look beyond the status quo in the business world.

“Classes challenged me to think in a different way,” Sullivan said.

Soon after graduation, Sullivan worked for an engineering firm in Garner, NC for their marketing team. While her degree at NC State helped, Sullivan found that learning never stops in the business world. She worked on various products before the Kodi Bag as well, gaining experience before her own solo venture.

While Sullivan kept busy with work, she also did not neglect her adventurous side and travelled extensively throughout her 20s. According to Sullivan, she learned not only from her jobs but also her travels.

“Do as much as you can in your 20s,” Sullivan said. “Go nuts.”

Sullivan kept busy with many jobs and travel throughout her career, but she urges students to never neglect a position or situation.

“Never burn any bridges,” Sullivan said. “All of your contacts will come full circle.”

Sullivan said that many of her old colleagues proved to be great help in the development of the Kodi Bag and to reach her goals.

The Kodi Bag can be pre-ordered in time for the holidays from the official website, kodibag.com.