How I Built This with Guy Raz Paperless Post: James and Alexa Hirschfeld
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Oct 7, 2024 
James and Alexa Hirschfeld, co-founders of Paperless Post, share their journey from a simple idea to creating a digital invitation powerhouse. They discuss the unique blend of elegance and technology that defines their brand. The duo reflects on overcoming skepticism from investors and navigating the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, which challenged their business model. Their sibling bond plays a pivotal role in their resilience, inspiring innovative pivots and a commitment to customer engagement as they celebrate 15 successful years.
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Party Inspiration
- James Hirschfeld was inspired to start Paperless Post after planning his 21st birthday party.
- Existing online invitation options lacked the aesthetic and customization he desired.
Sibling Partnership
- James immediately involved his sister, Alexa, in his idea.
- Alexa, despite having a stable job, recognized the potential and was willing to take the risk.
Bootstrapping Development
- The Hirschfelds bootstrapped their initial development using savings and Alexa's income.
- They hired a design firm and then backend engineers to create the first wireframes and database.