We love supporting creatives and makers of all kinds, which is why we’re a tad addicted to scrolling through all the newly released Kickstarter and Indiegogo projects. After scoring big with last week’s hot crowdfunds, we’re pumped to explore even more maker-approved goodies this side of Sunday. Without further ado, here are this week’s 10 coolest crowdfunds.
1. SproutsIO: Don’t worry, we’ve all killed that one supposedly no-maintenance succulent. For those lacking in the gardening department, this new tech is definitely a must. SproutsIO is a high performance system that makes growing produce ridiculously simple — we’re serious, all you have to do is follow the easy app-synched guide.
2. DistractaGone: For the girl who’s always on her phone at inappropriate or inconvenient times (AKA your bestie’s birthday dinner or during that mega important meeting) this cool lockbox just might be a lifesaver. Just put your cell phone in the box, set the timer and have a few hours of tech-free bliss.
3. Podo: There are a TON of camera gadgets we’d love to hoard at the moment, but this techy app-controlled, stick-anywhere camera is definitely earning a coveted spot on our Christmas list. Take note, Santa!
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4. SOLOSOCKS: When there’s a hole in one of our socks, we discard the pair… even when that means throwing away one perfectly good sock. SOLOSOCKS aims to fix this problem by creating sets of different but matching single socks.
5. PinBox 3000 and Gamechanger: Old-school pinball machines are awesome, but most of us don’t have the hundreds of dollars it takes (and the ample space needed) to own one ourselves. Luckily, this $28 alternative exists, and our inner fangirls are screaming.
6. The Rwanda Craft Brewery Project: Josephine “Fina” Uwineza, a Rwandan woman who just happens to be a girlboss entrepreneur AND a high-profile restaurant owner, is trying to establish a woman-owned and operated craft brewery in Kigali, Rwanda. Inspirational lady leaders and delicious brews? Consider us sold.
7. Glance Clock: By syncing the information from your phone, wearable and smart-home devices, this cool clock displays valuable notifications that you actually want to read. It’s basically Molly Weasley’s clock in the Harry Potter books and, yes, we’re obsessed.
8. The Sikh Project Book: After the incredible success of their beautifully bearded Sikh men photography series, the Sikh Project team is now back on Kickstarter to raise funds to put all of their awe-inspiring portraits into a gorgeously bound book.
9. Boolean Box: This build-it-yourself computer and electronics kit teaches girls ages eight and up to code, build and invent the future. Complete with software, mouse and keyboard, all you need is a connection to an HDMI-capable TV and your kiddo will be well on their way to running the world.
Are you funding any crowdfunds at the moment? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
(Feature image via Sgnl)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.