Naomi Hirabayashi and Marah Lidey are the cofounders and co-CEOs of an app called Shine. Both women worked together and were excited to turn their side hustle into a business with the foundation of their professional relationship and personal friendship with each other. They left their day job to make this vision a reality.
The app is aimed at those who are struggling with mental health problems due to a variety of issues such as a breakup, a toxic boss, financial stress, or anything else. They wanted to help millennials navigate through the stresses of life and become more confident in themselves. They created an app that would remind users that they are never alone and to break the stigma around mental health issues. They started this business because they saw a problem and knew they were well equipped to solve it.
The reason Shine has become so successful is because of its accessibility. In order to reach those who are hurting, they knew they needed to make it a resource available to everyone. This tactic has been working for them- they surpassed over half a million users in its first year.
I think that is a pretty impressive app (especially considering they gained over half a million users in the first year). I’m actually not sure if I fully support the app. No doubt I want what’s best for other people both mentally and physically. I should clarify, I am in support of the advise giving aspect of the app (though I don’t think that should purely be the only source of help). The problem is, the motivational aspect of the app creates a dependency on the app rather then other people.
This mental health app is such a brilliant idea! It really allows people to interact and be able to share about the different problems that they have had in the past, how they got through them, and how others might be able to. It seems like an area where you can just go to gain encouragement to keep going and pursuing your calling in life. Love this idea!
This app seems like a great idea. I like how the two friends noticed a problem they were both having, and found a way to solve it in a unique and accessible way. Many millennials use technology for almost everything they do, so making it an online app seems like a great idea and a way to make it more accessible for people who are struggling in some way. I know a lot of people with mental health struggles feel like they are alone with their struggles, so I think this app is a great way to overcome that!