About Elise Graves – Inventor of Wall-Bees

Early Life & the Unexpected Start of Innovation

Elise Graves grew up in the Pacific Northwest and later moved to the East Coast after retiring from a 35-year career as a clinical laboratory scientist. She supported both of her children through college and is now a grandmother of four. Inventing was never part of her retirement plans, but the journey began unexpectedly when she rented an apartment where drilling holes was not allowed. Wanting to hang curtains and make the space feel more like home, she realized there was no solution in the market, leading her to create the first demo of what would become her aluminum peel and stick back curtain rod bracket holder.

From Prototype to Entrepreneurship Journey

The first demo worked perfectly, and with encouragement from her daughter and son-in-law, she began her entrepreneurship journey in Boston in 2016. In the years that followed, she learned product development, manufacturing, intellectual property, marketing, networking, sales, distribution, leadership, and more. Even through the challenges of 2020–2022, including Covid, she managed to bring the product to completion and prepare it for sale.

Marketplace Success & Value for Renters and Students

In 2020, her product was selected for the Walmart Marketplace, expanding its reach. Today, the brackets are available on her website, Walmart’s marketplace, and in local stores like 1st Yard Convenient. The two-part aluminum peel and stick back curtain rod bracket holder with an easy-release bottom tab offers renters, students, and anyone avoiding wall damage a simple, drill-free way to hang curtains or valances, helping any apartment or dorm instantly feel like home.