I'm not sure if I mentioned this on here already, but I have an app idea that I really want to launch when I get more familiar with coding. I am not naive enough to think that I can do the business entirely on my own, but most of the app I want to code myself. I cannot say what it is, but I think with the right marketing, it could do really well and be a useful service to many women. So far, I haven't found an app like it that exists. I plan to be the first! So with that said, it's always wise to get some inspiration from those who came before you. This post is going to showcase some of my favorite apps/companies and the awesome females who lead them!
Liketoknow.it - This is one of my favorite apps everrrr! Founded by Amber Venz Box in 2014. Her service allows users to buy merchandise from their favorite Instagram figures. When someone posts a photo of their outfit, it directs the user to where they can buy those same pieces. This is ideal for that outfit you saw that you cannot get out of your head or for the girl who struggles with putting together a stylish ensemble. I am on this app constantly looking for style inspo!
Girls Who Code - I couldn't NOT put this on the list. Founded by Reshma Saujani in 2012. Reshma's main goal is to close the gender gap in technology. What started off with 20 girls in a New York City classroom, has now reached 40,000 girls nationwide at the end of 2017. It has reached homeless shelters, rural areas, and prestigious private schools. It has been pivotal in introducing young girls to technology!
23andMe - Founded by Linda Avey & Anne Wojcicki in 2006. This company is great! I am actually planning on ordering a DNA kit from them soon. This company uses small spit samples to create over 70 reports about health, bodily traits, and ancestry. It's a great way to learn about your family history and any potential health problems that you may not be aware of. I personally would like to find out more about where my ancestors came from and one day visit those places!
Rent the Runway - Founded by Jennifer Hyman & Jennifer Fleiss in 2009. This company allows women to rent designer and luxury goods for a fraction of the cost. Many women do not want to spend massive amounts of money on something they will only wear once or get tired of eventually. This provides a better alternative. It now has 6 million members, 900 employees, and 5 brick and mortar locations in 5 major cities!
Lola - Founded by Jordan Kier & Alexandra Friedman in 2015. This company provides feminine care products. The promise was to replace chemical-filled tampons with an all-organic tampon that would be delivered directly to the consumer. Most women aren't aware of this, but tampons are not made of cotton, but a variety of materials. This company takes the mystery and danger out of a much used product. I haven't tried these yet, but it is on my list!
Scentbird - Founded by Mariya Nurislamova in 2013. This company provides you with a new perfume each month for $14.95. I was subscribed to this service for about a year and loved it! It allows you to choose from thousands of designer fragrances. They are not full sized bottles, but it gives you the opportunity to get a new fragrance each month and decide what you would like to invest your money in. I still have many of my bottles left. They are currently racking in $2 million in monthly revenue.
Ipsy - Founded by Michelle Phan in 2011. This is a subscription type service that sends beauty and makeup products to your door, once a month, for $10. I was also subscribed to this for over a year and god, do I have the make up to show for it. Each month you get 4-5 travel (sometimes regular!) sized products inside of a make up bag. Yeah, I also have about 20 make up bags as well.. Overall, I loved the service. This company has now hit over $150 million in revenue.
StitchFix - This company was founded in 2010 by Katrina Lake. They will send you five items each month that reflect your personal sense of style. I personally have not done a subscription through this company, but I have heard good things about it. The only reason I have not tried it is because after taking the style assessment, I quickly realized that none of the options were my style lol I wish they had more options. However, this is a perfect fit for someone who hates going shopping or doesn't really know what to buy. This company recently went public and expects to gross over $1 billion in sales for 2018!
theSkimm - A media company founded in 2012 by Carly Zakin & Danielle Weisberg. They each quit their jobs at NBC and started their own company, a daily newsletter that is sent out every morning of the day's top stories. They currently have over 4 million subscribers and over 13 thousand skim'bassadors --> these people spread the word about theSkimm and earn swag and also first dibs on skimm headquarter internships and job opportunities. The news is short, simple, and to the point.
uBeam - Founded in 2012 by Meredith Perry, this company uses ultrasound waves to wirelessly charge devices. After she got stuck in lecture with no way to charge her laptop, she knew she had to do something. How it works: "Its ultrasonic technology comprises a transmitter, which emits high frequency sound that is inaudible to users and their pets; and transmits power directly to receivers requesting power, which convert power to usable electrical energy using energy-harvesting technology." Sounds bizarre, but hey, that's technology. This company is still in the early stages. I'm curious to see where it will go!
Traveling Spoon - Founded in 2011 by Aashi Vel & Steph Lawrence. This company is designed to help you experience authentic, local cuisine while you are traveling the world. The website connects travelers with hosts in more than 38 cities in various countries. I have not tried this, but I WILL. Sounds like an amazing way to sample native cuisine and meet some awesome locals!
I don't know about you, but I feel inspired. If you have an idea that you think would be useful to others.. GO FOR IT! We need more women taking the Entrepreneurial road!
Until next time :-)
I didnt know half of these apps existed. The clothing ones definitely sound like I could use them.. Because I have no style. Lol
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to find out what your app idea is! I think its awesome that you set goals for yourself and work toward them!