It’s not often I get to interview a true inventor. Justin Huang is just that, and he’s just getting started, folks! He came up with an innovative and humane way to capture bugs and small creatures without touching them. In addition, he built a business around the product as well. If you dislike creepy crawly things in & around the house as much as I do, you need to look closer at Cup-a-Bug!

Can you briefly describe your business?

Cup-a-Bug is an easy and convenient tool for humanely catching bugs around your house. Simply place the cup over them, pull the lid closed, and then release the critter outside. The long handle lets you reach bugs from a safe distance and works on walls, ceilings, and floors. Whether you're a bug fearer or bug lover, Cup-a-bug is your trusted helper.

Where did the idea come from?

Well, I'm terrified of bugs so I originally designed this tool for myself. But after realizing this was a potential market, I refined the design to appeal to a larger audience. Before Cup-a-Bug I was already an engineer and entrepreneur designing and selling products online. I became an entrepreneur because I felt it was the best way to help people on a larger scale.

My first products were board game accessories. In that industry you see a lot of really expensive heirloom-quality products which are super nice - but my thing has always been to provide innovative products that everyone can afford. Cup-a-Bug is in a different industry but with the same ethos. I want to help as many people (and bugs) as I can.

Can you describe your typical work day?

My workspace is like a hybrid of Home Depot and RadioShack (RIP). It has nearly every tool you could possibly need (3D printers, laser cutters, milling machines, welders) and walls lined with tools. It's truly a geek's paradise where if you can imagine it, you can build it.

When I'm not in inventor mode, I'm busy running the company along with my friends, Sam and Ariel. Sam thoroughly inspects every product and makes any adjustments before shipping them out to customers. And Ariel handles our email and social media marketing campaigns.

I know you also produce other products, but would you say that Cup-a-Bug is your best-selling one?

My other products have had their moments for sure. Cup-a-Bug just launched a few months ago, but it looks like it'll be my best seller so far. It's currently $40 including free shipping to US customers.

How does social media play a role in your business?

I've always felt that Cup-a-Bug is bigger than just a product. It's really about treating bugs as animals who deserve our respect. The goal of our social media is to connect with others that feel the same way. I'm grateful to have met so many awesome people and even make some friends along the way - all thanks to social media.

I primarily use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. I still haven't wrapped my head around LinkedIn but I'm trying. In terms of the ones that bring the most business, I'm honestly not too sure haha. I just started selling Cup-a-Bug so I'm just going shotgun effect and trying everything right now. I do it all myself right now because I like interacting with customers but it's a lot of work so I'm looking to outsource the video editing.

What are your thoughts on working with computers?

I do all of my product design and video/photo editing on PC. I have considered switching to Apple for my phone though. The iPhones have really good cameras and would be great for content creation. And I store important files in Google Drive so I can access it anywhere.

What are your thoughts regarding websites?

I do have a website that I designed myself (www.cupabug.com). It's a WordPress/WooCommerce site. I chose WordPress because there are no subscription or transaction fees (other than credit card fees). There's also a lot of creative flexibility when used with Elementor's website builder. The only problem was that I had never designed a website and this option has a higher learning curve than Shopify or other services. Thankfully I was able to learn the basics with a few weeks of Youtube and lots of tips from ChatGPT.

How do you manage customer retention and do you have an Email mailing list?

I have yet to explore email marketing and social media managers. But I know this is really crucial and will look into it!

How do you balance work and personal time?

One great thing about entrepreneurship is that if you feel burnt out you can take a break and still benefit from the work you've already put in. So I'll work really hard for months and crank out a design or sales strategy. But after things settle down, I try to make time for traveling or learning new skills. When it comes to learning new skills, I think I have a good strategy: you can model the university experience with a combination of online lectures and AI tools.

Let me explain: say you want to learn a specific topic, first find a really good YouTube lecture series preferably from a top university or MOOC (like edX or Coursera). Then when you don't understand something and want to ask questions, you simply ask ChatGPT. You can even have ChatGPT quiz your knowledge or teach you via the Socratic method. Plus, it's free or very cheap.

What are your thoughts regarding the environment, social issues, and being a partner to the community?

When possible, I try to use recycled plastics in my products. It's slightly more expensive compared to virgin plastic but it's important for me and many of my customers to be more responsible when it comes to having an environmental impact. When Cup-a-Bug begins to reach a certain level in sales, I plan on donating to organizations that benefit animals. It's important to give back.

What is the outlook for the future of Cup-a-Bug?

Cup-a-Bug is one of those really eye-catching products so it makes sense to grow through online presence. I hope customers will tell their friends about it so it grows by word of mouth. In a few years, when Cup-a-Bug gains more recognition, I'll try to break into retail stores. In terms of success, I would love if Cup-a-Bug became a household name that was synonymous with saving bugs but I'm already happy with the impact it's already had. Receiving customer pictures and success stories is the best reward for an inventor like me.

Do you have any final thoughts?

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: try not to talk yourself out of your dreams. Take a look at the big companies, even with their massive marketing budgets, a lot of their products don't take off. It's impossible to know what will work. So don't be too hard on yourself, just put something out there and hope for the best.

How to find out more about Justin Huang and Cup-a-Bug (and to purchase your own):

• Website: www.cupabug.com

• Email: cupabug@gmail.com

• Instagram: /cupabug_official

• TikTok: /@chubbiechubbs

• Pinterest: /cupabug

• Facebook: /TheSolidFactory