By Gord Bowes, News staff
Raphael Kolenko has put a new spin on an generations-old product that hasn’t changed much since its invention.
The Step Up chair eliminates problems found with the standard child highchair found in dining rooms for over a century, says the west Mountain entrepreneur. It’s easy to clean, won’t tip and has an attachment of steps that allows toddlers to climb in and out on their own.
He also has an endorsement from parenting expert Alyson Schafer.
“The Step Up kids chair completely took me by surprise, it’s just so different,” says Schafer. “The concept of children seating themselves will do wonders for their self esteem and confidence.”
Kolenko started thinking about the Step Up chair in 2007 when he grabbed a kitchen stool to help his daughter get into her highchair by herself. Seven years and several designs later, he’s ready to bring it to market.
It’s been thoroughly tested, he said, and friends and family have provided feedback to help perfect the design.
“The original seating area had a 10-inch back; we have a 14-inch back now,” says Kolenko. He’s also replaced a handle with a built-in grip to lessen any chance of accidents due to snagged clothing. There’s also an insert to make the chair usable for children from infant through toddler ages.
Kolenko says he plans to have the Step Up chair available this fall. This month, Kolenko plans to start a crowd funding campaign on Kickstarter.com where the chair can be purchased before it is released at a $50 discount.
For details, see upweego.com.
By Gord Bowes, News staff
Raphael Kolenko has put a new spin on an generations-old product that hasn’t changed much since its invention.
The Step Up chair eliminates problems found with the standard child highchair found in dining rooms for over a century, says the west Mountain entrepreneur. It’s easy to clean, won’t tip and has an attachment of steps that allows toddlers to climb in and out on their own.
He also has an endorsement from parenting expert Alyson Schafer.
“The Step Up kids chair completely took me by surprise, it’s just so different,” says Schafer. “The concept of children seating themselves will do wonders for their self esteem and confidence.”
Kolenko started thinking about the Step Up chair in 2007 when he grabbed a kitchen stool to help his daughter get into her highchair by herself. Seven years and several designs later, he’s ready to bring it to market.
It’s been thoroughly tested, he said, and friends and family have provided feedback to help perfect the design.
“The original seating area had a 10-inch back; we have a 14-inch back now,” says Kolenko. He’s also replaced a handle with a built-in grip to lessen any chance of accidents due to snagged clothing. There’s also an insert to make the chair usable for children from infant through toddler ages.
Kolenko says he plans to have the Step Up chair available this fall. This month, Kolenko plans to start a crowd funding campaign on Kickstarter.com where the chair can be purchased before it is released at a $50 discount.
For details, see upweego.com.
By Gord Bowes, News staff
Raphael Kolenko has put a new spin on an generations-old product that hasn’t changed much since its invention.
The Step Up chair eliminates problems found with the standard child highchair found in dining rooms for over a century, says the west Mountain entrepreneur. It’s easy to clean, won’t tip and has an attachment of steps that allows toddlers to climb in and out on their own.
He also has an endorsement from parenting expert Alyson Schafer.
“The Step Up kids chair completely took me by surprise, it’s just so different,” says Schafer. “The concept of children seating themselves will do wonders for their self esteem and confidence.”
Kolenko started thinking about the Step Up chair in 2007 when he grabbed a kitchen stool to help his daughter get into her highchair by herself. Seven years and several designs later, he’s ready to bring it to market.
It’s been thoroughly tested, he said, and friends and family have provided feedback to help perfect the design.
“The original seating area had a 10-inch back; we have a 14-inch back now,” says Kolenko. He’s also replaced a handle with a built-in grip to lessen any chance of accidents due to snagged clothing. There’s also an insert to make the chair usable for children from infant through toddler ages.
Kolenko says he plans to have the Step Up chair available this fall. This month, Kolenko plans to start a crowd funding campaign on Kickstarter.com where the chair can be purchased before it is released at a $50 discount.
For details, see upweego.com.