Daughters Of Zion CNPP Grantee Announces Darlene Willis – E-Z Naillifter As The DOZ CNPP Entrepreneur Of The Week- April 17 – April 23, 2022

Darlene Willis 

E-Z Naillifter

Phone # (901) 314-7104

Years In Business: 2

Number of Employees:  2

Elevator Pitch “E-Z NAILLIFTER saves time and money for women on the go.”

As part of our follow-up to the progress the Daughters of Zion CNPP grantee is making within Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond- we are highlighting the weekly Entrepreneur of the Week award. When asked why Darlene Willis was selected as the entrepreneur of the week, Dr. Gerald Kiner, PhD declared, “ An inventor! This dynamic woman has done something I’ve never met another human being do or create an invention and have it patented! In her sixties!!! She is an unbelievable woman of faith, love, peace and joy. I tried to pay her $200 an hour to share her knowledge with our entrepreneurs and she refused to take a dime! She is my role model. She is a blessing to my church, our community, and our society and the amazing thing is – she is just getting started! Darlene Willis is one of the most dynamic people on the planet earth and we are all the better for having her in our lives.”

Darlene Willis answered several questions for the entrepreneur of the week.

Q: What is the name of your invention and how can people buy it?

A: The name of my invention is E-Z Naillifter. E-Z NailLifter is a precision-crafted device that safely removes acrylic, gel and other types of artificial nails in a non-toxic way. The E-Z Naillifter can be purchased at www.e-znaillifter.com.

Q: How did you come up with the idea to invent your own product? 

A: This idea was born out of the need to remove the artificial nails when it is time to get a full set without soaking them in the harsh chemical Acetone.  The chemical would make me sneeze, eyes and nose run profusely and would dry up my fingertips for days.

Q. What’s your vision for it?

A. My vision is to make it a household name like the manicure set such as the fingernail file, emery board, cuticle pusher, nail and toe nail clipper.  E-Z Naillifter is a great product to add to your manicure set.

Q: What’s a success story you would like to share about your invention?

A: My greatest success story about my invention is receiving my Utility Patent and finding a manufacturer and getting an actual product made and buying a cavity mold to make them.

Q. Who are some people from history or from any time who have inspired you? 

A. My father James Willis, who was a business owner,  always taught me to move out on faith if you believe in something. My pastor, Dr. Gerald Kiner, always has given us awesome insight to grow and to be your better self.  His business knowledge and his willingness to share his knowledge is awesome.  Dr. Kiner’s passion in helping bring your mindset to another level and knowledge of business is fantastic. Having my own Business has always inspired me to reach for higher grounds.

Q. What separates your product from other nail removers?

A. The E-Z NAILIFTER is a precision crafted tool that removes artificial nails of any kind without you using any chemicals.  The finger grips that hold your fingers in place to remove the artificial nails also can be used to maintain your natural nails such as pushing back your cuticle and keeping them clean underneath. This multi-function tool is what separates the E-Z NAILLIFTER from another artificial nail remover.

Q. How has the Daughters of Zion Community Navigator Pilot Program impacted your business knowledge?

A. DOZ Business Training class has positioned me to be a leader in the business arena with the knowledge Dr. Kiner shares with training us to start with the mindset you have to develop to start a business and the work ethics you must have to achieve the goals you set out for your business.  He gives us the Billionaire mindset.  I feel that this training would lift you up if you want to start a business.

Q. What would you say to a woman out there trying to make a purchase from you? 

A.   The E-Z NAILLIFTER is a precision crafted tool for women on the go that saves time and money.  No more soaking, wrapping or harsh filing off the solvent to remove nails.  This personal nail care tool offers you a multi task product that also helps maintain your nails by keeping your cuticle push back and nails clean. With the E-Z NAILLIFTER you can just come in for a manicure or full set not to remove nails.

Q. What would you say to a woman out there trying to create an invention for their business?

A. First, write a description and drawing of your product and send it to yourself. This is called a poor man’s patent.  Research is everything because you want to find out if anyone has the same idea. If someone has the same idea just improve upon that idea and make sure it solves a problem better than the existing one.  Don’t get discouraged ,  If the Most High gives you a vision or product idea just remember He gave it to you not to anyone else so it is okay if no one sees where you are coming from because the Spirit will send you the people and information you need to take each step. Just don’t give up even if sometimes you can not see a way out.   Just do all you can do and the Most High will do the rest.  Do your research on your product or business before you pay anyone any money.  First—do a poor man patent.   Get a provisional patent to establish a filing date to introduce your product to the business world. A provisional patent gives you the right to say you are patent pending for 12 months and this gives you a chance to work on your phototype, marketing and demographics of your business.  Just don’t get discouraged.  Have FAITH in what God gave you not in what others will say.  Remember the vision is yours not someone else’s.  Just remember to start where you are and do what is in your scope until you can expand.  Have FAITH like a grain of a mustard seed and also move forward. My MOTTO is to keep moving ONWARD AND FORWARD toward your business.  KEEP THE FAITH !!