318  Connie Inuka: Late-life Inventor Finds Success

318 Connie Inuka: Late-life Inventor Finds Success

Author: Gail Zelitzky and Catherine Marienau March 5, 2025 Duration: 26:49

At 77 years old, Connie Inukai is proving that innovation has no age limit. A former technical writing instructor for engineers, Connie spent years teaching others how to create clear, effective reports. Little did she know that one day, she’d be writing her own—this time, for her own invention.

When she first conceived the idea for Tip ‘n Split, Connie applied the same skills she had taught for decades. She meticulously crafted reports, wrote an instruction manual, and designed brochures—working alongside her students as both teacher and entrepreneur.

Determined to bring her product to market, she initially invested $3,000 in a marketing agency, only to see little progress. Refusing to give up, Connie took matters into her own hands. She retired from teaching and became her own marketer, salesperson, and advocate.

"Don’t be afraid of no. Figure out what to do and turn it into a yes!"

Her persistence paid off. Tip ‘n Split has now been featured on QVC, The Today Show, The View, NBC News, and more. Even Walmart carries her invention.

But Connie isn’t stopping there. With her entrepreneurial spirit still going strong, she’s already working on her next big idea—proving that retirement isn’t the end of the road; it’s just the beginning.

CONNECT WITH CONNIE:

E. connie.inukai@gmail.com

Buy Tip n Split


Hosted by Gail Zelitzky and Catherine Marienau, Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined turns the page on a well-worn cultural script. This is not a series about decline, but a collection of dialogues focused squarely on expansion. You’ll hear from women who are starting businesses, deepening their creative practices, forging new relationships, and confronting societal expectations with a refreshing blend of honesty and humor. These conversations, rooted in personal journals and lived expertise, delve into the practical and the profound-from the science of longevity to the personal journeys of resilience that define this chapter. The podcast moves beyond inspiration to offer tangible insight, framing the later decades as a time of active reinvention. Tune in for stories that replace stereotypes with specificity, and discover a community redefining what it means to grow older with purpose and curiosity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined
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