Originally published on October 12, 2021
The NFT market has grown exponentially, reaching a market cap of $22 billion since June 2021. This surge highlights the rising demand for NFTs, which typically represent ownership of unique digital items like collectibles and art. However, amid the hype, questions about their long-term social and environmental value continue to surface.
At Aryze, we believe NFTs and digital assets should transcend trends, offering sustainable value with positive social and environmental impacts. This ethos is reflected in our conversation with Emilie Wright, the founder of PUL3E, a woman-led NFT project using blockchain technology to support heart charities. The PUL3E collection comprises 7,676 unique, randomly generated NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain, each based on the human heart and featuring true-to-life ECG patterns representing various heart conditions and abnormalities.
Emilie Wright & boyfriend Andrew
Can you share your background with us?
I’ve been involved in cryptocurrency since 2019 and in NFTs since 2020. As a crypto investor and NFT collector, I’ve seen the immense creativity, ambition, and entrepreneurship in this space. I’m passionate about increasing women’s representation in blockchain and advocating for inclusion.
My background is in Health and Social Care, where I’ve worked in mental health services and championed social justice. When my partner Andrew was diagnosed with severe heart failure, I saw a unique opportunity to combine my passions for helping others with my experience in NFTs and cryptocurrency. That’s how PUL3E was born.
What inspired this project and why NFTs?
In April 2021, my partner Andrew was diagnosed with severe heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy at just 31 years old. The diagnosis was a shock, and the experience of surgeries, medication, and life changes was overwhelming. Despite everything, Andrew’s resilience inspired me.
As the NFT space grew, I realized it offered a chance to combine digital art with a meaningful mission. Through PUL3E, we aim to raise awareness for heart conditions and support the charities that helped us during such a difficult time.
How do you grow your community and keep them engaged?
From the start, we’ve prioritized consistency and transparency. We built our community on Twitter, staying active in spaces like #WomenInNFTs and sharing our progress and goals. The NFT space evolves quickly, and I work hard to keep our supporters informed and engaged through updates, discussions, and organic community-building.