Have you switched up your ringtones so many times that the generic iPhone beats just aren’t doing it for you anymore? We hear you, and we’ve been looking for something new, too. But the search is now over, and what we’ve found is unlike any rhythm or jam to have ever blasted through our speakers… this ringtone is scented!
iScent by Qblinks is a Bluetooth atomizer that lets you create a scented mist as your ringtone or music. Based on the idea of the ancient Chinese Wolf Tower, which was used to alert soldiers of attackers, the iScent creates a modern version of a smoke signal to notify you of updates, texts, notifications and calls on your phone. Simply mix water with your favorite essential oil, and iScent will atomize the liquid to create a safe and sniff-worthy alert. Sweet!
The device pairs with the iScent iPhone app and allows you to choose which programs you want to trigger a scent release. Compatible apps include Messages, Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, Calendar, Skype and more. The castle-shaped atomizer prototype was created using a 3D printer (our fave!), into which a rough circuit was installed in order to connect with the iPhone via Bluetooth.
The iScent is currently going through crowdfunding stages on Kickstarter with the ultimate goal of $33,000. Although the campaign has only raised about $1,500 so far, it’s not over until October 3rd. So, basically, there’s still plenty of time for you to make your donation to help this modern, innovative ringtone alternative come to life. While the campaign accepts pledges of any amount, a donation of $35 will snag you an iScent at early bird special pricing. Donations of $120 or more will guarantee you an iScent in all three of its available colors (white, grey and brown). If all goes well, Qblinks hopes to ship out the atomizers in December, just in time for a seriously scented holiday.
To learn more about this crazy cool innovation, check out the video below:
What scent would you set your ringtone to? Share your thoughts on this scented gadget in the comments below!
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
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.