So, I did a thing. Thanks to my participation in the DiverseForce GameChangers Program, I designed a Custom GPT. For the last 3 months, Sugar cuddled right next to me as I sat through class, worked on my homework, and learned how I can how I could integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into Pupcake Sugar.
Pupcake Sugar is all about starting from scratch and creating your own recipe. That’s not exclusive to baking pupcakes or flipping through a few recipe books. It’s about having the courage to learn something new, create new experiences, and making them your own.
SO, WHAT’S A CUSTOM GPT
Ever heard of Chat GPT? It’s an AI chat box that helps people gain insights, automate tasks, or research other information through dialogue. Well, a Custom GPT is like that, but with your own unique spin. I created (or shall I say baked) my own Custom GPT, YAPPiE Hour, while enrolled in the DiverseForce GameChangers Program.
TELL ME ABOUT YAPPiE HOUR
YAPPiE Hour is designed to act as a financial wellness life coach, specializing in assisting millennial dog moms, in achieving their savings goal by spending time with their dog. YAPPiE Hour emphasizes savings, financial goal setting, and integrating self-care activities with dogs into the financial wellness journey. It’s my way of adding technology to my self-care routine.
NOW, WHAT’S THIS DIVERSEFORCE GAMECHANGERS PROGRAM
The DiverseForce Gamechangers Program is a 12-week modern technology educational accelerator program. The program is divided into four sections:
Project Management – We learned about methodologies like Waterfall, Agile, and Scrum, along with tools like gamification, ChatGPT, and LEAN Canvas. These tools and methodologies aren’t just for tech wizards, they’re an amazing resource for creatives who love to bake up a new idea.
Marketing – We discussed the difference between branding and marketing and got a chance to work in Canva. We also studied the marketing funnel models AIDA and AARRR, along with the Customer Factory model. These tools are a great way to assess how people are engaging with your content and establish goals for your business.
UX/UI Design – We learned importance of the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) during the app development process. We also had a chance to create prototypes and get deeper into gamification models. The terms were new. But as I got into lessons, I realized that the process is no different than baking pupcakes. You start with a recipe, tailor it to your dog’s needs, and serve.
No-Coding – We learned about the concept of creating apps using no-coding platforms, such as Adalo and Zapier. We also covered API integration and were introduced to Custom GPTs.
I applied for the program because I wanted to learn more about AI and discover new ways to implement technology into the Pupcake Sugar brand. The class not only gave me a chance to learn more about tech, but it also gave me a chance to stretch outside my comfort zone.
Trying a new pupcake recipe is easy for me. It’s fun for me to take ingredients and turn them into something Sugar can enjoy. It’s also a creative stretch for me to take some of my favorite recipes and turn them into a dog-friendly treat. However, this class was a different kind of stretch. There were new programs, new terms, and new information that I’d never heard before. So, this class became my “starting from scratch” moment that I talk about so much.
WHAT RECIPE DID I CREATE
So, I started from scratch a little differently this time. Instead of baking pupcakes, I baked up some new tech skills and achievements. First, is I created my own Custom GPT, YAPPiE Hour. Before the program, I thought Chat GPT was just for drafting emails, but now I see that Chat GPT and other AI tools as resources for deeper engagement and support.
Secondly, I learned that AI can be used as a self-care tool. Using AI tools to automate some of those daily emails, brainstorm ideas, and research information has been an added self-care practice. I’ve been able to use Chat GPT, especially, to outline blog posts and other information to provide more resources for self-care through time with your dog.
Finally, my biggest achievement was taking the opportunity to try something new. This program was not easy and there were several times when learning the new information didn’t come as easy. However, I embraced the learning curves and made it through the program.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR PUPCAKE SUGAR
The DiverseForce GameChangers 12-week accelerator is over, but the YAPPiE Hour Custom GPT is just the beginning. I’d love for you to test it out. Here’s the link.
I’m excited to keep developing it as way to continue to encourage dog moms to achieve their self-care goals through quality time with their dogs.
Have you tried the YAPPiE Hour Custom GPT? We’d love to hear your story. Share your pupcake stories with us @pupcakesugar.
