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- The comfort and consistency of rituals bring us back down to earth.
- They take many different forms, from putting on a favorite record to shaving.
- Online startups are adept at selling the entire experience of these beloved rituals. At the center is a product that solves daily problems while providing a respite from the stresses of life.
- We took a look at startups you already know, like Casper, along with ones that may be unfamiliar, like Dripkit, to illustrate how companies are using the comfort of rituals as a selling point.
Rituals are an important part of daily life. In the midst of what can often feel like a rollercoaster of work and personal obligations, they allow you to hop off for a brief moment, take a breather, and regain a sense of stability.
Even something as innocuous as making a cup of coffee or watering a house plant can improve your mental wellness. It may seem like you're simply going through the motions, but it's exactly those repetitive movements and consistent practices that provide the all-too-needed comforts of familiarity.
Everyone's rituals look different (mine include writing in my journal, winding down every night with music and a book, and going to my favorite bagel shop every Sunday) and take various forms, from skincare to cooking.
Online startups across a variety of categories are great at tapping into this love for consistency and comfort, selling not a product, but the entire experience of owning it, using it, and making it part of a recurring ritual. They hope to be there for you as one of the constants in your life.
Learn how these 13 startups are selling the experience of a daily ritual:
Sleeping: Casper
Shop mattresses and more at Casper here
Getting ready for bed is a universal ritual enjoyed by all — we've met few people who don't look forward to climbing into bed each night. For the last few years, Casper has been making the process inviting with its supportive, comfortable mattresses, but a recent new product, the Glow Light ($89), is intended to get you to dreamland even faster. The adjustable light will help your body wind down at night and wake up gently in the morning, while the ambient light sensor turns it into a portable night light.
Brushing your teeth: Quip
Shop electric toothbrushes at Quip here
We hope you're brushing your teeth twice a day. If the idea doesn't enthuse you, Quip is a startup that might inspire you to concentrate on and enjoy your teeth-brushing habit more. Its sleek, American Dental Association-approved brushes are easy to use, can mount to your wall or mirror, and have replaceable brush heads available through a subscription. They come in a variety of colors and sets so you can get your loved ones in on two minutes of blissful respite at a time.
Washing your face: Panacea
Shop skin care at Panacea here
When you say "skin-care ritual," I imagine you must mean a routine that involves no less than eight products and perhaps a song and dance thrown in there, too. While I appreciate that these long rituals have their own pros, some might consider them excessive, and will more realistically be drawn to companies like Panacea. Panacea's three-step kit consisting of a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen will get you out the door in five minutes, but your skin will still feel nourished and pampered because they're made with clean, lightweight formulas.
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