Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mobile application but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Giddon, Co-Founder & CEO of Daily Haloha, located in New Rochelle, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Daily Haloha is a mobile app that delivers a 2-minute daily ritual of reflection and connection - based on a single thought-provoking question each day. It's simple and uplifting and reminds us of our shared humanity. We have a free global app for all curious and thoughtful people - 50k beautiful humans and counting! We also serve communities - schools, workplaces, and organizations - that want to invite their folks to participate in a private channel to build community belonging.
Tell us about yourself
I have always believed that everyone belongs and that we need to see and hear each other. When I started to feel that we were becoming more "us vs. them" and less "we're all in this together," I left behind my successful corporate career and ultimately founded Daily Haloha to help us find our way back to each other. There was a moment, though, that catalyzed me to make the leap. While doing my daily subway commute in NYC, I saw a sticky note project called "Subway Therapy" blossom on the station walls. It became a rich mosaic of 50,000 beating hearts on those walls. I watched as passersby felt drawn to participate. I saw them thoughtfully create their contribution and place it among the others. And I saw how they were uplifted when they stepped back and felt a part of something bigger than themselves. I felt compelled to see if we could bottle up the magic of collaborative art into a new kind of participatory digital experience: a daily ritual of collective reflection, sharing, and perspective-taking.
It's been five years since I started dreaming about Daily Haloha, and I am as motivated today as I was on that subway platform. Our participants tell me they feel more uplifted and less alone from joining us in the app. Providing this type of service feels like an honor.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Many people have great ideas. Far fewer create the things they imagine. I think my biggest accomplishment was placing a bet on myself, taking many risks, and bringing something new into the world.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It can be a lonely journey at times. Ironically, my work involves helping people feel more connected, yet my path has often been solitary. I have now cultivated a community of other entrepreneurs and like-valued people, but ultimately, as the business owner, you stand alone in your decisions and results.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Cultivate a community of supporters, advisors, and cheerleaders. Starting a business is as challenging as it is rewarding, and your support system is everything. Ask for help!
- Trust yourself. Do the research, and get lots of advice, but don't forget to listen to your native intelligence and intuition. Ultimately, you know what's right.
- Manage your energy. Starting and growing a business can be a longer journey than people imagine. You'll need to establish sustainable routines that don't deplete you. Take the time to take care of yourself. Step away from the business enough to have perspective.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://dailyhaloha.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DailyHaloha
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailyhaloha/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DailyHaloha
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amygiddon/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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