Addsquirrel founder Jen King talks about the company, its vision and how it is transforming greeting cards and gifts into interactive keepsakes
At Addsquirrel, we’re passionate about creating meaningful connections through personalised and interactive card and gift-giving. We create smart QR stickers that allow users to add a video, photo or voice note to any card or gift in just a few taps.
Our journey began with me, an artist and entrepreneur with a heart for innovation. My background in the traditional greeting card and gift industry, under the banner of Jen Winnett Art, saw my product stocked by organisations such as the National Trust and RSPB as well as independent retailers and B2C markets. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the power of personal touches in creating memorable experiences.
The birth of a Squirrelly idea
The idea for Addsquirrel, was born from the realisation that while digital communication has its merits, there’s something irreplaceable about the tangible nature of physical cards and gifts. I noticed that in our fast-paced digital age, traditional cards and gifts were losing their personal touch. People wanted to share more than just words on paper; they wanted to share memories, voices, and moments. Integrating smart QR stickers into cards and gifts came as a bridge between digital and physical, offering a way to combine the best of both worlds.
Our vision
Our vision at Addsquirrel, is to transform every card and gift into an interactive, heartfelt experience. We believe that cards and gifts should be more than just objects; they should be vessels of emotion and connection. By leveraging the simplicity of QR codes, we aim to make every card and gift memorable, turning simple gestures into cherished moments. We aspire to be the go-to solution
for anyone looking to add a personal and modern touch to their card and
gift-giving.
The journey so far and what’s next
Since our launch, the response to Addsquirrel, has been overwhelmingly positive. Our smart QR stickers have been used in a variety of creative ways – from heartfelt birthday messages to touching wedding congratulations, from thank-you notes to festive holiday greetings. Our users have shared stories
of how our product has added an extra layer of emotion and surprise to their cards and gifts, making their loved ones feel truly special. Addsquirrels have also been used by businesses small and large to transform customer experience and staff relations.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about expanding our product range and exploring new ways to enhance the gift-giving experience, including gift tags and other products. We’re developing our tech further to include features such as tracking (to notify the user when the Addsquirrel, has been opened), streamlining our white labelling feature, and working on integrating our bulk upload option for events such as weddings and conferences. Additionally, we’re planning to launch a subscription service, providing our users with a steady stream of new and innovative ways to use Addsquirrel, in their everyday lives.
Challenges and anticipations
Like any innovative venture, our journey with Addsquirrel, hasn’t been without its challenges. One of our primary hurdles is educating our audience about the potential of QR codes in card and gift-giving. Many people associate QR codes with mundane tasks like scanning menus, so demonstrating their emotional and creative potential is requiring a strategic marketing effort.
Another challenge was ensuring ease of use. We wanted to make sure that our product was accessible to everyone, regardless of their tech-savviness. This meant investing a lot of time in user-friendly design and comprehensive tutorials. Looking ahead, we anticipate the challenge of scaling our operations to meet growing demand while maintaining the high quality and personal touch that defines Addsquirrel.
Surprises along the way
The journey for Addsquirrel, has been filled with delightful surprises. One of the most heartwarming has been the sheer creativity of our users. From creating memory-filled anniversary cards to sending messages of hope during tough times, our users have found ways to use our product that we never imagined. This creativity has inspired us and confirmed that we’re on the right path.
On the flip side, we’ve also been surprised by the occasional technical hiccup, such as ensuring seamless QR code scans across different devices and platforms. Each challenge, however, has been a learning experience, pushing us to improve and innovate continuously.
And finally…
In a world where digital and physical realms often feel disconnected, Addsquirrel, offers a bridge that brings them together in a meaningful way. We’re excited about the future and the endless possibilities for adding joy and personal connection to card and gift-giving. Whether you’re a business looking to enhance your corporate gifting or an individual wanting to make your loved ones feel special, Addsquirrel, is here to help you create unforgettable moments. Thank you for joining us on this journey – we can’t wait to see where it leads!
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