【小創夢家】從牙醫取靈感 美國7歲小孩研發防蛀牙糖 助學童保護牙齒

撰文：Angela
相片：zollicandy@instagram

好奇心成創業動力

Alina與一般小孩一樣，自小喜歡吃糖。有一次與爸爸到銀行，銀行職員給了她一支波板糖，當時她爸爸說這些糖對牙齒有損害，不要多吃。

Shopping for a birthday present or just for fun at @toysrus? Don't forget to pick up Zollipops while you are there!

A post shared by Alina Morse – ZolliCandy (@zollicandy) on Feb 23, 2017 at 3:07pm PST

只有7歲的Alina不明就裡 ：「為甚麼糖果一定傷害牙齒？為何沒有一種糖果對牙齒有益？」於是Alina就想到要研發一種可以保護牙齒的糖果。
她利用家人省下的7,500美元作研究及創業基金，在2年間，她不斷搜集資料，在家中不斷製作，最後在牙醫那裡找到靈感，就是用木糖醇（Xylitol）和赤蘚糖醇（erythritol）取代傳統糖份，原來這兩樣成份，除了可提供甜味外，還可製造出提高口腔pH值，及增加琺瑯質。

Zollipops are @risasdental approved.

A post shared by Alina Morse – ZolliCandy (@zollicandy) on Nov 15, 2017 at 9:21am PST

Consumers are ready for a smarter choice! Today’s consumers are seeking products that are made with ingredients that do something “good for them” not just “taste good”. The foods we eat have a direct effect on our oral health. Zollipops® are ideal for professionals, parents and children looking to enjoy a fun, good tasting treat that has benefits to their oral health.

A post shared by Alina Morse – ZolliCandy (@zollicandy) on Mar 26, 2017 at 3:54pm PDT

妹妹試味 爸爸設計包裝

在外國一篇訪問中，Alina說對於今次研發及創業，她的家人也是全力支持，如產品是經過她口味最挑惕的妹妹測試，然後再改名為「Zollipops」；而當產品推出前，Alina會與爸爸一起設計包裝、寫產品報告，媽媽負責管理時間，及提供一些行銷建議。

Now, this is what we call a family photo! How does your family inspire you?

A post shared by Alina Morse – ZolliCandy (@zollicandy) on Apr 18, 2017 at 9:50pm PDT

目前，Zollipops已是過百萬生意額的企業，作為一個小創業家，Alina在平衡事業與學業也下了功夫。她表示自己並沒打算專注經營糖果公司而放棄學業，反而在時間上做了一個最合適的分配：「放學後的時間，3分1寫作業；3分1打理公事；3分1與妹妹玩。」她更指，希望在大學選修合適科目，裝備自己營運Zollipops。

I am still in awe that THAT'S ME! Thank you again to everyone at @entrepreneur, including Jason (the editor), #NYSE, and everyone who has supported me along the way. This is just the beginning! . . . . . . #afteryoueattreat #lollipops #healthy #healthysmile #zollipops #zollicandy #womeninbusiness #keepgoing #entrepreneur #kidpreneur #teenpreneur #persevere #beunstoppable #nevergiveup #businessowner #entrepreneurlife #businesswoman #futureisfemale #femaleisnow #wonderwoman #girlpower #inspire #womanpower #morethanabody #seemorebemore #goalcrusher #powerfulwoman #empower #newyorkcity

A post shared by Alina Morse – ZolliCandy (@zollicandy) on Aug 24, 2018 at 11:37am PDT

小創夢家賺錢回贈學界

Zollipops現時在網擁有7,500間店舖，還聘有6名全職員工負責營運，產品亦可在淘寶、Whole Foods、Amazon和Kroger等大型網站出售，每包售4至6美元（約港幣32至42元）。而Alina不忘初衷，把公司10%的利潤捐贈給學校及口腔醫療保健組織，用來推動兒童口腔健康。

Are you a member of a school or qualified organization and interested in sharing Zollipops at your school? Complete the form under ONE MILLION SMILES and we will be in touch shortly. There’s no doubt about it, smiles have amazing powers and the magic in a child’s smile is truly undeniable. But with childhood tooth decay ranking as America’s single most chronic childhood disease, children’s smiles are an endangered species! When Alina heard this news she knew she had to use her Zolli-powers for good and began her mission to save the smiles with the One Million Smiles Initiative! Check out these SMILES from Cleveland College Prep School in Ohio!

A post shared by Alina Morse – ZolliCandy (@zollicandy) on Mar 14, 2018 at 12:20am PDT

現年13歲的她更登上國際雜誌「企業家」（Entrepreneur) 2018年9月刊的封面，成為國際注目的年輕企業家。年輕就是有點大無畏，Alina在訪問中更表示在創業路上往往對危機視而不見，因為她知道自己已經為生意豁出去了。