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!
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.