New St Albans mobile phone app set to launch a happiness revolution
HappiJar founder Glen Cooper and graphic designer Richard with their iPhone app - Credit: Archant
A St Albans entrepreneur has proved jammy when it comes to mobile phone applications, with his creation coming third in the best new social networks chart on the App Store.
Glen Cooper is hoping to start a “happiness revolution” with his simple app, called HappiJar, which stores moments in a virtual jar to make people smile, and can be shared with friends and family.
The 40 year old said that over 5,000 moments of happiness have been shared since the app’s recent launch.
Glen, founder of HappiJar Ltd, said that users could write information, take a photo, record an audio clip or add a clip from their favourite song, which all comes together to form a “happibutton”.
When you are feeling a bit down or need a bit of inspiration, you shake the app and a random memory pops out to make you smile.
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Glen said he came up with the idea about 16 months ago when he started his own business, a structural engineering firm, and “realised how powerful it was to be mindful and grateful for all the help I received.
“I researched the science of gratitude and read a lot of academic papers.”
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Glen went on: “I gradually built several mock-ups from post-it notes, real glass jars and eventually launched the project.
“I designed HappiJar to help others remind themselves of the great people and experiences in their lives. It’s to help people feel happier.”
Following its launch, Glen learned from Apple that HappiJar was placed third in the best new social networks chart on the App Store. He said: “It was crazy.”
The HappiJar Ltd team, which includes graphic artist Richard Parkin, also of St Albans, is now trying to raise £3,000 to build the android version, to allow the app to travel between friends and family more easily.
About £1,500 has already been pledged through Kickstarter, a platform which helps secure financial backing for independent creative projects.
Glen is hoping the final £1,500 will be pledged shortly to help him launch the android version of HappiJar.
For more details see www.kickstarter.com/projects/glencooper/happijar-store-share-shake-the-happiness
