LI's Real-Life 'Joy' Opens Up On Jennifer Lawrence, Miracle Mop
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Jennifer Lawrence stars in the film "Joy," the true "rags to riches" story about a single Long Island mom who struggled to make ends meet.
CBS2's Jill Nicolini caught up with the real "Joy" who the movie is based on. With a deep drive to succeed, began to invent simple products to make every day life easier.
Jennifer Lawrence plays the famous TV entrepreneur Joy Mangano, who is best known for her invention of "The Miracle Mop."
Two years ago, Mangano was shocked when she received a call from director David O'Russell.
"He goes what do you think about Jennifer Lawrence playing your role? What do you say to that, 'Let me get back to you?' Mangano said. "It was like, 'I can't believe this is happening.'"
In 1990, Mangano was frustrated with cleaning her own floors, so she came up with the idea of the first ever self-wringing mop. Mangano tried selling them locally, but it wasn't until she took her product to television that she would change the life of millions of people.
"It's a touch point in everybody in different ways," Mangano said. "It's so inspirational."
Robert DeNiro plays Mangano's father, and Bradley Cooper takes the role of the Home Shopping Network executive that helps and hinders Mangano's success.
"I almost felt like they were organically made for the roles that they played," Mangano said.
Mangano appears on the February cover of Good Housekeeping Magazine, and is honored to have her products approved by their high standards. Twenty-six of Mangano's products have earned the Good Housekeeping seal, including the miracle steamer, her line of huggable hangers and the miracle mop.
Mangano advice to single moms and any one out there with a dream is you must "go for it."
"You must go after it and you take it one step at a time, because along the way, it might not end up exactly the way you thought," Mangano said. "But if you don't try it, you will never do it so it's better to have a chance to succeed."
