Last modified: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 10:37 AM PDT Shawna Pierson and Chris Kodama work on a display at Red Apple. The Fruitland duo recently launched a reusable shopping bag company — iTySE — they hope will encourage people to stop using plastic bags. Inventors get busy By Casey Clark Ney Argus Observer Fruitland — It all began with two friends and one big idea. Fruitland residents and business owners Shawna Pierson and Chris Kodama were on a weekend getaway when they realized a need for a functional and stylish reusable shopping bag system. According to the duo, they decided to develop a product that would not only save the planet, but do it in style. “That is how it started,� Kodama said. The day was Aug. 17, 2007, which both ladies claim as the founding day of their company, iTySE. Shortly after their weekend vacation, Kodama and Pierson began working on their first prototype. Kodama was charged with seamstress duties, while Pierson utilized her skills in design. They also organized a market research group, and before long they were well on their way. When building the prototype, the women said their main focus was creating a reusable bag that was durable, washable and flexible. They determined the best material for the job was a mesh fabric. “This made the bags expandable,� Pierson explained, adding that the second step was to design a carrying case to hold the shopping bags. The end product resulted in two items — the iTySE and the iTySE BiTySE. The iTySe is a handbag designed to hold several reusable shopping bags along with the traditional items found in a purse, Pierson said. The iTySE BiTySE is a smaller carrying case that conceals the shopping bag system, making it ideal for men or women who don’t want to forgo their purses. In addition to the shopping system, Pierson and Kodama created a rip-stop reusable bag. The bag is black and designed for privacy. “Sometimes you need a bag that is discreet,� Pierson said. While the duo was concerned with making their shopping system both stylish and “green,� they also focused on durability. “If you invest in our system, it’s good for at least two years,� Kodama said. “We are thinking this is a long- term investment.� With a product in hand, Kodama and Pierson were tasked with finding a manufacturer. The duo soon discovered Oregon Corrections Enterprises. OCE is an organization of work programs in eight of the state’s correctional institutions. Approximately 1,140 inmates work for OCE. The primary objective of the organization is to provide its workers with the attitudes and skills needed to secure employment upon their release. According to Pierson, the inmates are paid minimum wage, but a majority of their pay is used for child support, victim restitution, court costs and other fees associated with their terms. “What we do is helping out the state of Oregon monetarily,� Kodama said. “We felt like this was a great way to be socially responsible.� iTySE now contracts with OCE to manufacturer their products. In the future, the facility will also be responsible for shipping online orders, Pierson said. With their product and processes well under way, Pierson and Kodama said they continue to push forward with their venture. “Business is getting better every week,� Pierson said. Both women said they hope to make a difference by encouraging people to stop using plastic bags and utilize reusable shopping bags. “The average family uses an average of 400 plastic bags a year. This is a really simple way to have a huge impact on the environment,� Pierson said. “It’s not like it’s hard.� Pierson and Kodama also said they are thankful to be business partners, adding their skills seem to compliment one another. “We found a way to work together and impact the environment,� Pierson said. “We just have a ton of fun.� To learn more about iTySE, visit www.ityse.biz. iTySEs are also available at Red Apple.