Churn
Churn is an alternative marketplace with multiple goals. First, to create downsizing experiences with positive emotional outcomes instead of the feelings of pain and loss that often accompany downsizing projects. Secondly, to support the development of a robust circular economy by activating individuals to return idle possessions to use in their communities. And finally, to enable the growth of mutually supportive communities through resource sharing and co-creation of identity.
The platform includes a collection feature, marketplace functionality, and features to support social engagement. Through the collection feature, users can record the meaning and memories imbued in their possessions. When a user wants to find a new home for their items, the marketplace provides a space for users to connect and arrange transactions. Transaction types purposefully include only giving transactions—gifts, exchanges, and sell-to-donate (where sale proceeds are automatically donated to a local nonprofit of the user’s choice). Users can comment on publicly-shared items and start individual chats about collections or items they find interesting.
Along with the other founding members of the Churn team, I worked to develop Churn’s business plan and to conduct a beta-test in Asheville, NC. My overall focus has been on managing operations, communications, and marketing.
Travel-E
From 2019-2020, I worked with a team from UNC to develop the early stages of a web-based app. The goal of Travel-E was to empower businesses to make environmentally-informed travel arrangements. We created Travel-E to demystify carbon emissions and empower businesses to take control of their environmental footprints. This is increasingly important as public opinion as well as government regulations shift in favor of low-carbon industries and implementing taxes on carbon use.
Our project involved creating wireframes for the app (click through to see all pages), marketing materials (examples above), proof of concept, and performing market research. We competed in the 2020 Makeathon hosted by the Entrepreneurship Center at the University of North Carolina.
Our presentation earned first prize in our division as well as an additional award from the Women’s Innovation Council for Best Female-Led Team. My partners for this project were Lindsay Oluyede and Savannah Mercure.