KEKZ for the Ears

“I was driving with my then three-year-old daughter in the fall of 2019, and after hearing the children’s song Backe Backe Kuchen about 20 times, I knew something had to change,” recalls Carl Taylor. The smartphone wasn’t an option. “As a child, I had a Walkman that I could operate independently. I wanted to give my daughter that same experience.”

Adin Mumma, also a father of three, recognized the potential and quickly developed a product. The American industrial designer and entrepreneur has over 15 years of experience producing for international brands and retailers. Many of his award-winning designs can be found in major retail stores and museums.

In 2020, the two founded the Munich-based start-up Kekz and applied for a German patent. From there, everything took off: German Design Award, IF Design Award, Amazon Start-Up of the Year Award – even Peter Maffay and the Horst Brandstätter Group joined as strategic investors. Today, their partners include Müller, Lufthansa, Deutsche Telekom, Hugendubel, Thalia, the Familux Resorts, and publishers such as Random House, Kiddinx, Universal, and BMG.

NO SCREENS, NO CABLES – “We share the same vision,” emphasize Taylor and Mumma: “to reduce screen time for preschoolers when it comes to entertainment, and to stimulate imagination and creativity.”

With over 100 audio stories – from Petterson and Findus to Bibi Blocksberg – Kekz offers a wireless alternative to smartphones and tablets for kids aged three and up, whether at home or on the go. The matching audio chips, called Kekze, click easily into the outer earcup of the Kekz headphones using an integrated magnet.

“We’re also reducing stress for parents by eliminating the need to bring multiple devices when traveling – and they don’t have to listen to the kids’ music all the time,” says Mumma. The range of educational and edutainment content is set to expand – including a new brand called Cookie Crew, which focuses on fun learning content for preschoolers. Diversity and inclusion are also key: “Kekz is committed to developing content without cultural or ethnic clichés.”

FAMILUX AT HOME – Anyone who enjoys their vacation at Familux Resorts is truly spoiled: plenty of action, relaxing indulgence, diverse entertainment, and excellent cuisine are all part of the program for the entire family. And to bring a piece of that holiday joy home, there’s the Familux Shop.

The product range continues to grow – now including the LUX card game, a children’s tableware set, mugs, and cutlery. Want something to cuddle? The resort mascots are also available in the shop and make the perfect gift for building holiday excitement. Especially when buying gift cards, they are the ideal extra. Brand new: limited edition Familux Kekz Chips featuring all the audiobooks and songs from the Familux Resorts, plus the handy Kekz Bean – a carrying pouch for on the go.

All-time favorites for grown-ups: the Familife subscription and fine wines like Equinox, Lumen, and Caleo – all served at the FAMILUX Resorts. Plus, The Rock Organic Dry Gin from Gölles Distillery, a high-quality Austrian gin, is also available.