Simply Gray (SG) was conceived in January 2023 and launched its first subscription boxes by October of the same year. SG provides mental wellness resources directly to individuals in the comfort and privacy of their homes. The interactive self-help boxes are meticulously designed to facilitate lifestyle changes through guidebooks, curated products, and 90-day challenges. The guidebook is evidence-based and organized into three digestible sections: self-assessment, learning, and implementation. Accompanying the guidebooks are carefully selected, research-backed products that align with the box's theme, designed to initiate and sustain positive change. Lastly, the 90-day challenge aids in the development of habits throughout the quarter to support progress.
We are in a time where perceptions of mental health are shifting; 95% of respondents in our survey rated the importance of mental health at 7 or above on a scale of 1 to 10. However, many individuals in the United States struggle to find time for the most recognized mental health resource—therapy. Additionally, the high costs associated with therapy present another significant barrier. Over 90% of participants in our customer discovery identified time and financial constraints as obstacles to accessing therapy. Many also find it challenging to connect with a therapist they resonate with; only 16% reported that finding a quality therapist was easy. Beyond therapy, individuals often face challenges in locating a comprehensive and trustworthy mental health resource that not only educates but also facilitates lifestyle changes. As a result, many turn to social media for mental health information; however, most express skepticism about its accuracy and reliability. Over 75% of those we interviewed considered social media to be an unreliable source requiring careful vetting, leaving them feeling ill-equipped to assess psychoeducational content online.
Simply Gray aims to address these challenges by providing a trusted, easily accessible, and reasonably priced mental wellness resource that promotes progress and transformation. Our customer discovery indicated that over 65% of respondents trust therapists, reinforcing our value proposition, as SG is developed by licensed therapists. We leverage our educational background and professional experience to create an informative and reliable resource for individuals eager to learn and grow. Recognizing that time and financial constraints are significant barriers to investing in mental health, we designed our boxes to be practical for busy schedules while delivering valuable, impactful information. We encourage our subscribers to pace themselves as they engage with the content and products, ensuring that the resource remains manageable and relevant to their lives. Additionally, we strategically price our boxes at a fraction of therapy costs, averaging under $25 per month, compared to the typical cost of a therapy session, which can be six times that amount.
While there are no wellness boxes available on the market that encompass all the components offered by Simply Gray, there are products designed specifically for women that emphasize spa-like self-care. These offerings tend to be heavily focused on a feminine aesthetic and primarily target younger adult demographics. In contrast, we intentionally designed our boxes to be gender and age-neutral, a decision that has proven advantageous. As we have developed over the last year, we plan to adapt our business strategy to incorporate our boxes as a mental health benefit for companies and organizations. Since our boxes appeal to a broad audience, they present a valuable mental health benefit for employers to provide to their employees. Gallup studies indicate that employees have a favorable view of organizations that prioritize mental health benefits. Not only is this focus important to employees, but it should also be important to employers. Mental wellbeing has a significant impact on employee performance and the company’s bottom line. For instance, employees whose employers show care for their well-being are 4.4 times more likely to be engaged at work, 7x more likely to recommend their organization, over 70% less likely to experience burnout, and over 50% less likely to seek new employment.Currently, the most prevalent mental health benefit offered by companies is Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). However, studies have shown that these programs are not perceived as valuable by employees, who often doubt the privacy and confidentiality of these programs. A Gallup study revealed that over 80% of employees had never utilized an EAP, and more than 30% were unaware of the existence of such programs. In addition, those who have used EAPs have reported frustrations and only a little over 30% who used an EAP found it extremely helpful. Furthermore, those who have used EAPs expressed frustration, with only about 30% finding them extremely helpful.
Employers may be apprehensive about the costs associated with investing in mental health; however, neglecting preventative and maintenance mental health benefits can lead to greater expenses in the future. The National Safety Council reports that individuals experiencing mental distress incur approximately $3,000 more annually in healthcare costs compared to those who do not. Additionally, the cost of lost productivity amounts to around $4,783 per employee each year, while employee turnover costs approximately $5,733 annually per employee. A company in a low cost of living state such as Oklahoma could lose roughly $131,000 a year (based on 100 employees) due to mental distress and related illnesses stemming from turnover, absenteeism, training, and healthcare expenditures. Moreover, the impact of mental distress extends beyond employees to their families and dependents, affecting overall household dynamics. SG not only supports employees but can also benefit their families, fostering healthier home environments that contribute to reduced absenteeism and increased productivity within the workplace. The National Safety Council has found that for every dollar invested in mental health, there is a fourfold return in improved health and productivity.
Simply Gray is structured to operate from Oklahoma while remaining accessible nationally, with aspirations for global expansion. SG addresses numerous challenges faced by those who prioritize mental health by offering trusted, affordable therapeutic information that can be utilized from home and at one's own schedule. We are confident in our ability to expand our impact, transitioning from individual sales to organizational partnerships, thereby broadening our reach and influence.