To celebrate National Inventors Day, inspired by the birthday of the great Thomas A. Edison, we salute one of Levenger’s most inventive creators, the person behind some of our most beloved and best-selling products.
As head of the merchandising department, Joyce Anderson is responsible for overseeing the creation of hundreds of Levenger products each year, and many of our best-selling and most memorable items are a direct result of Joyce’s inspiration and ingenuity.
With an extensive background in product development, Joyce has a keen understanding of how products are made, how they work, and how to discover ways to improve upon the classic designs that inspire her.
Always in search of the next big new idea for readers, writers and thinkers, Joyce gets her inspiration from a variety of sources. “I do online research, attend trade shows, browse through old books and magazines, “she says, adding, “and of course, I love haunting antique and vintage shops.”
Many of Joyce’s most popular products feature the old-world craftsmanship of solid wood, statement pieces that will last a lifetime and beyond. Just introduced last fall, Joyce’s Turnabout Bookcase has become a new furniture favorite. She based the rotating design on a piece she saw in an antique store. Also inspired by an antique, the Fountain Pen Studio is one of the most charming desktop organizers you’ll find at Levenger.
Joyce also enjoys creating products in premium, full-grain Levenger leather, both for their durability and to add a touch of luxury to everyday desk accessories. The Weighted Cord Holder and Sidekick Upright Leather Organizer are just two examples.
“Our Weighted Cord Holder is based on a product I saw that was made in molded plastic,” she remembers. “I liked the idea of keeping cords organized yet out of the way on your desk, but I thought doing them in attractive leather would add that Levenger touch. So I had to find a way to recreate the functionality in leather instead of plastic.” Joyce’s little cord organizer turned out to be a big innovation and a very popular seller.
The multifunctional Sidekick can be used to store eyeglasses, TV remotes, pen and paper by your favorite easy chair or on a desk to keep cards, writing instruments and office supplies neatly stored and accessible, all in a small footprint.
Versatility, solving problems and creating convenient solutions are always at the top of Joyce’s mind when creating new products.
In the video below, Joyce also shares her latest innovation, the Walletini Bag Charm, due out this spring. Inspired by the success of the Tiny Notebook Bag Charm, she now provides a way for writers to keep a mini ballpoint close at hand and within easy reach.
Joyce encourages customers to continue to provide feedback on Levenger products so her team can constantly improve product function, ease of use and durability. She and the merchandising team read each and every product review.
See the latest Levenger innovations for reading, writing and creating.