Michelle Wilson, an African American entrepreneur and inventor, is making waves with her innovative product, the Shellicone Finger Protector. Designed to shield users from germs while interacting with public touch surfaces like ATM machines, self-serve kiosks, and keypads, this device is a dream come true for germaphobes. Equipped with a built-in LED light, it offers convenience and protection, addressing modern concerns about hygiene and contamination.
Inspiration Behind Shellicone
- Michelle’s journey began during the pandemic when she noticed how public surfaces, such as bank keypads, were rarely sanitized.
- Motivated by her own germaphobia, she felt a calling to create a solution for people who shared her anxiety about touching public surfaces.
- After 2.5 years and 22 prototypes, the Shellicone Finger Protector was born.
Michelle, who comes from a family of inventors, invested her time and savings into developing the Shellicone. Balancing multiple jobs, she bootstrapped her invention, driven by the desire to create a better life for herself and her mother, whom she was caring for at the time.
Features of the Shellicone Finger Protector
- Germ Protection: Made from food-grade silicone, the Shellicone acts as a protective barrier against germs and bacteria.
- LED Light: The device includes a built-in LED flashlight for visibility in low-light situations, making it a practical tool for various everyday tasks.
- USB Charging: The flashlight feature can be recharged up to 500 times, offering over an hour of continuous use per charge.
- Portability: Each Shellicone comes with a cap and keychain attachment, making it easy to carry on a backpack, belt loop, or keyring.
- Touchscreen Compatible: The conductive tip allows seamless interaction with touchscreens, including smartphones and tablets.
A Personal Journey of Determination
The invention of the Shellicone is deeply personal for Wilson. She shared that her mother, Bobbie, who supported her marketing efforts, passed away after a long illness just before the product launch. “Everything I did was to make my mother proud,” Wilson said. Despite her grief, she continues to push forward, determined to honor her mother’s memory and pursue her mother’s entrepreneurial dreams.
Future Endeavors
Wilson plans to use the proceeds from Shellicone sales to realize her mother’s vision of opening a bakery and coffee shop featuring her homemade biscuits. In this way, Michelle Wilson’s journey represents both resilience and innovation, turning a challenging situation into a legacy project.
About Shellicone Shellicone is designed for anyone seeking to reduce germ exposure in public spaces. With its ergonomic design, LED functionality, and ease of use, it is an essential tool for those who value both hygiene and convenience. Visit Shellicone.com for more information.
