There have been several apps recently that have been popping up that take our awesome Instagram photos and display them in a cool way. Instalbums.me is one such web app that is turning Instagram photos into a classic photo album layout for our viewing pleasure. We caught up with the team to talk inspiration and why Instagram won’t be relevant in five years.
How’d you come up with the name for your company?
It was a pretty quick process for me, I wanted to make an app that allowed users to create photo albums with their Instagram pictures so that is where I got albums and then added the inst in front of it as many Instagram based apps do.
How many people did you start the company with and how many people work for you now?
We started with two and still are at two. Right now that is all we need.
Remember the early days starting up? Maybe you can share one anecdote that describe the struggle you went through?
I think the biggest problem for me was to keep pushing through after the excitement is over. At the start I just wanted to work on the product 24/7 but it is easy to get burnt out that way.
How do you handle frustration? When/how was the last time you dealt with frustration?
Instalbums has gone pretty smooth so far, I can’t say I have had to deal with to many big issues that led me to get frustrated.
What’s your office environment like?
Henri and I both work remotely from our houses so we don’t really have much of an office environment. It is mainly us coding at our desks talking things through over Skype.
How do you picture your company in 5 years?
Instalbums is not an App that I plan to be still relevant in 5 years. I’m not even sure Instagram will be. This being said I do plan to be running an mobile and web app development company- orblabs. I picture us in an office making awesome products day in and day out.
Who or what inspires YOU?
I love seeing a product come to life. There is definitely something to be said about seeing your visions actually working. As far as people go Kevin Rose has been an inspiration. I have been watching him on Diggnation forever and I think what he has done is pretty awesome. Also, Sahil Lavingia is pretty awesome and has inspired me to just go out and make products.
How’d you fund this venture?
This has all been self-funded. We just needed a domain and some awesome hosting which we were able to get pretty cheaply.
What would you be doing if you had one year off and $500,000 to spend?
I would probably live in San Clamente for the summer and surf all day (And code all night) then go up to Colorado and snow board all winter.
Do you consider yourself a successful entrepreneur right now?
I feel like I’m am successful for a 16 year old. I have been able to make enough money to avoid having to work for somebody which I enjoy.
Website you couldn’t live without and why?
Probably Vimeo.com, I really enjoy watching absolutely awesome videos.
Mobile App you’re in love with and why?
Instagram! I like to be able to take pictures and have them look great without much work.
iOS or Android?
iOS, I am an iPhone user. I have been an iOS user since the day Apple came out with the iPod Touch.
Number 1 country you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet?
I really want to go to Spain!
What’s the greatest thing about Instalbum?
It couldn’t get any easier.
Where can our readers reach out to you?
You can follow me on twitter or check out my soon to be redone websites jaked.me and orblabs.com
Thanks, Jake! While most 16 year olds are testing out their new driver’s licenses, you’re building apps… love it! Check out Instalbums.me and turn your Instagram photos into classic albums.
Photo credits
Instalbums
