Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bretton Key. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Bretton, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
My story has humble beginnings — I never imagined I would be in the position I am today. I started jotting down ideas for fun things to do on paper notes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, I ended up collecting a bunch of these ideas in a mason jar. The ideas were not just restaurants, but included more adventurous things to push me out of my comfort zone. I believed that someone willing to try the ideas from my date jar was someone I needed to invest more time in getting to know. Coincidentally, I also noticed some relationship challenges within my friend circle, which further sparked this whole thing. I didn’t fully recognize the magnitude of the business opportunity until I launched the first version of the app and immediately gained hundreds of users without much promotion.
I also didn’t realize the uphill battle I would face by being classified as a “dating app.” For many people, dating apps are not viewed positively and some even point to them as examples of what’s wrong in the dating world. People looked at me at first like, “Who is this guy trying to play matchmaker?” But once I started talking about the real premise and purpose behind what I was doing, things changed. In a nutshell, the My Date Jar app is not your typical matchmaking service; instead, we’re all about paving the way to better relationships through real experiences. My goal is simple: to create a space for people to share their experiences and tips, while also supporting tourism and local businesses.
What sets us apart in this sea of dating apps and services is that we’re all about providing the tools for authentic connections in one simple platform. You can find great things to do without a million questions, use our scheduling tool to show intention and initiative, and be part of a community that’s all about creating the best times ever. It’s like having a supportive group cheering you on and giving you tips on how to make every experience unforgettable.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
Date Cards Vol.1, my unique product, goes beyond the typical card game—it’s an interactive experience designed to ignite creativity and foster connections. Featuring 42 cards with trivia, reflective questions, and dares, this game is crafted for 2-4 players to enjoy, emphasizing shared moments rather than competitive outcomes. It’s all about delving into deeper conversations and creating lasting memories with friends and loved ones.
Joining the Amazon Black Business Accelerator program proved to be a game-changer for me. The program provided crucial support in product development and sales, proving invaluable to my journey. Selling on Amazon not only expanded my reach but also served as a school of sorts, imparting essential lessons in supply chain management and brand building. I wholeheartedly recommend Amazon as a trusted platform, especially for newcomers navigating the complexities of retail and e-commerce. It not only simplifies the process but also offers unparalleled growth opportunities.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The key driver for acquiring new clients for my product has been the organic growth fueled by the quality of the offering. Leveraging the power of word-of-mouth, engaging in impactful in-person events, making waves with TV appearances, and securing features in noteworthy publications have collectively resulted in over 1000 downloads and a dedicated user base of 900 active individuals.
It’s worth noting that this growth was achieved without a substantial marketing push or heavy reliance on social media. This speaks volumes about the inherent appeal and impact of the product. The personal connections I’ve cultivated with my audience have played a pivotal role in attracting new clients, drawn to the authenticity of the app’s experiences and the meaningful connections it fosters.
With a foundation of satisfied users and a compelling value proposition, I’m well-positioned to continue expanding my reach This allows me to directly deliver even more incredible value to my audience, reinforcing the belief that genuine connections and authentic experiences are at the heart of the app’s success.
My focus currently is not just getting downloads but partnering with new businesses. The groundwork I have laid, has given way to more businesses connecting with me. The new clients are businesses offering more curated and cultivated experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mydatejar.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mydatejar
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mydatejar
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/mydatejar
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Date-Relationships-Bringing-Icebreakers-Questions/dp/B0C3YGGRWG