#FollowHuggnote
Introducing Jacqui Meskell, the co-founder of Huggnote alongside her sister Perry Meskell. Huggnote is a revolutionary messaging app that communicates emotions through popular music, born from Jacqui's experience of wanting to console a friend from afar. Jacqui's journey from journalism to entrepreneurship reflects her passion for making a difference, fuelled by a belief in the power of technology and the unique strengths of being a woman. She embraces authenticity, cherishes her role within the AwakenHub community, and envisions scaling Huggnote globally while prioritizing health and living with no regrets. Join Jacqui on her mission to spread love and connection through the universal language of music with Huggnote!
Where are you from and where do you live?
From Limerick, Lives - out of a suitcase :-)
To get us started - how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
Multifaceted - dreamer, doer, leader, disruptor, yogi
Describe your business and what prompted you to start it?
Huggnote is a unique messaging app that uses popular music as a language for emotion so powerful it makes users cry. I had the idea when I was living abroad and my best friend was going through a really diffficult time and I couldn't be there to give her a hug. Then a song on the radio brought back such happy memories, I realised that if there was a way to digitally gift-wrap the song and send it to her - it would say everything words couldn't.
Tell us a little bit more about you?
My journey to entrepreneurship is a meandering one but a common theme is that I always knew I wanted to make a difference. I studied journalism in DCU and worked in broadcast news (Live95Fm, Newstalk, Euronews) and TV (including RTE’s The Late Late Show) while completing an MPhil in International Peace Studies and I moved into as a management consultancy leading on rural development and enterprise projects for clients including the European Commission. But somehow, along the way I felt this draw to technology and how really many solutions to society's problems would converge there. I was appalled at the lack of women in tech and so when I had an idea I couldn't shake - there was no other choice for me. I honestly believe this is what I was always meant to do.
Fill us in on your female founder journey.
It has been a rollercoaster. So many ups and downs but in the end, you always have to come back to your 'why'. Why are you doing this - and then figure out the next step to get you closer to your goal. The most important thing to remember, especially for female founders - is to be authentically you! Don't compare yourself to others - especially your male counterparts. And certainly don't try to emulate them. Being a woman is a total superpower! And find your tribe because the journey can be lonely. Recent highlights include being being a three-time 'Digital Trailblazer of the Year' finalist, as well as for Image/PWC 'Digital and Technology Businesswoman of the Year'. Finding myself in the same category as representatives from Accenture and Microsoft felt so good – especially considering how little I knew about technology at the start of this journey; Huggnote's organic growth and our growing rockstar team. A huge milestone for us was launching our Huggnote New Year's theme on a billboard in Times Square in NYC this year - one straight from the vision board! Hearing from users that Huggnote made them cry or bought them together is always so gratifying. And last but not least, getting to work with Perry every day. She’s my ride-or-die!
How has being part of the AwakenHub community helped your business?
AwakenHub is absolutely unlike any other founder community!! There are lots of networks that cost a lot of money and talk the talk. AwakenHub is not that. It's created by women who want to make a difference and truly have an impact on levelling the playing field for women in business. It's without doubt the most supportive community for female founders. We've spoken at some Awaken Hub events and I can't tell you how many times we'll be somewhere and a woman will come up to us and say 'hey, I know you from AwakenHub'. But equally, we've leaned on this community for advice and support on those challenging days. And now with AwakenAngels - it just keeps getting better!!!
Have you an ‘ask’ which we can share with fellow #Awakenhubbers?
We are two women with the crazy dream of building a global B2C tech start-up in Ireland. We we're always looking for a support system. Sign up to Huggnote.com and send a Hugg to someone you've been thinking about but haven't found the time to call/see. Knowing we're helping to make people be there for those they love - is so rewarding.
As a founder - what are your non-negotiables?
My health. As a founder you ARE your business – so taking care of yourself is as much a business goal as a personal one. Every day, no matter how busy, I make the time to exercise, meditate, get outside, eat well (most of the time) and find moments of joy no matter what’s going on. As a qualified yoga teacher I’m fortunate to have this incredible tool for self-care – but even so I have to prioritise it. And I can't wait to share some of my yoga routine with Awaken Hubbers at the She Ventures Summit next week.
Where do you see yourself in 12 months and 5 years time?
In 12 months, I’ll likely be living in a city like London, Berlin or LA (temporarily) immersed in scaling Huggnote to meet its potential – and trying to balance family/life. In 5 years? Ringing that bell! When we started we told ourselves we’d go all in and would love to take Huggnote all the way to IPO. And so every decision we take now is with that outcome in mind – and is the reason for example we bootstrapped these initial stages. Of course, it might not happen but I believe big ambition means that even if you come up short – you’re still on a high. Either way, so long as Perry and I are still passionate about what we’re doing and feel fulfilled, we’ll be happy.
What are your top three tips for other women founders?
Book: Louise Hay ‘You Can Heal Your Life’. This book is honestly life-changing. Tool: Yoga! Find a class, get on a mat and just start that journey. Advice: Surround yourself with people who believe in you!
To finish up with what are six words to live by?
Life is short, have no regrets!
Follow HuggNote on Social Media!
Stay updated with the latest news, updates, and heartwarming content from HuggNote by following us on our various social media platforms:
Instagram - HuggNote on Instagram
LinkedIn - (3) Jacqui Meskell | LinkedIn
Facebook- HuggNote on Facebook
Twitter - HuggNote on X
