An Interview with Contour’s Tracie Beer

Put some class in your closet and some couture in your armoire. Contour, the versatile hanger, is now shipping.

Inventor Tracie Beer spoke with us about the creation of Contour, why Lucky Charms rule, and why she thinks Ben should wear superhero tights.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a single mother of two amazing children. I live in Long Island, NY and I run my own Interior Design Firm.

2. When did you join Quirky?

I joined Quirky about a year and a half ago and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

3. How did you find out about us?

Actually, a friend told me about it six months prior to me actually submitting my idea. I thought the site was cool but thought I might be able to execute my idea on my own. Boy was I wrong! That’s when I turned to QUIRKY!

4. When and how did you think up the idea for this product?

I came up with the concept for the Contour hanger out of pure frustration. While standing in my closet, I was annoyed how my halter tops and one shoulder shirts were hanging…lifeless, wrinkled, and hard to find!

5. Had you tried to make this thing on your own already?

When I first had the idea, I simply bent a wire hanger into the shape I thought might accommodate my dilemma. After that, I settled on the dimensions that worked, and had a metal worker weld me a sample. He completed my prototype and all my shirts hung beautifully from it! For me, it was confirmation that I was onto something good.

6. What do you think of the final product?

I am still waiting for it to arrive. But from what I’ve seen via emails it looks amazing!

7. In your opinion, what is the most innovative product ever invented?

It’s hard to narrow that answer down to one thing. Inventions like planes, trains, automobiles, and computers are mind-blowing and have changed the world. BUT if I had to choose one thing, I’d have to say the Contour Hanger is the most innovative

8. What inspires you?

I’d have to say that my two children are my inspiration! Wanting to succeed and live by example is very rewarding to me. They inspire me to achieve and better myself!

9. What are some of your quirks?

Hmm, where should I begin? I’d have to say my biggest quirk is my obsession with being neat, organized, and prompt! I am very uncomfortable when those things are not in line. I also think my dry, sarcastic, and witty humor is pretty quirky at times!

10. What’s your favorite cereal?

I think if I had to choose one cereal to live on for the rest of my life it would be Lucky Charms. Not only because they’re magically delicious™, but they taste so good and remind me of my childhood. As for deli meat (which is such an odd quirky question, btw) I’d have to go with Boar’s Head Oven Gold turkey.

11. Any parting words?

Growing up, I always had an image of what a superhero should look like. Never in a million years did I expect one to look like Ben Kaufman. But I do now! That dude should wear a purple superhero cape with a big Q on his chest! I am so lucky to have the opportunity for Quirky to rescue my invention!