Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Mortazavi.
Hi Melody, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was a super rebellious teenager, always pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. My unwavering desire to help people and create supportive communities anchored me during high school and through college. After college, I joined Sephora as part of their founding team. My focus was creating in-store experiences over shared passions. Creating a community around a shared love of creativity was incredible! The first business I cofounded, UME, was again designed to bring people together, this time families. It was the first indoor play space in the Bay Area designed to nurture the whole family. Children learn through play, with the extensive curriculum we designed to foster all areas of development. Families and caregivers would connect by sharing knowledge and experiences while also taking developmental classes. The year UME was acquired, I went through a divorce which led me to an experience that fueled the idea for my current venture, Longwalks. Longwalks were started in pursuit of a feeling you get when you truly connect with someone. In those rare moments of true connection, you feel seen for who you indeed are, and sometimes, sparks fly.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I manage a global team, so I metaphorically live between India and the US. Two drastically different time zones, a pandemic, several pivots, and countless unforeseen hurdles have made this journey feel like driving in thick fog with no light. Growth comes from the struggle if you take the time to reflect, listen and be still. As Wendell Berry says, “The impeded stream is the one that sings.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Longwalks?
Today, finding moments of connection has become more difficult. Our world is rife with connectivity, but we need true connection. We spend our time on devices and platforms meant to bring us closer together, but they often leave us lonelier. Longwalks asks questions to help you shine to be your real self so you can meet others based on what matters to you because better relationships mean happier people. Our vision is to empower people to share their authentic selves; To remind people that connection based on individuality, kindness, and honesty creates a joyful life.
We do this with two apps:
- The Longwalks App: Using thoughtful questions and AI matching to bring people together. Loved by Oprah, Wired, Self Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine, and more.
- The Gather App: In-person conversation starters; Apple’s “App of The Day” 2022. The iOS store recognizes it for Standing up to Racism, Standing against Injustice, and Taking a Stand for Mental Health.
Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’m very fortunate to have a group of women around me who are true forces! Whether they are mothers, CEOs, founders, chefs, artists, or students, they all inspire and mentor me in a certain way. So, you should have multiple mentors for all the women you are.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.longwalks.com
- Instagram: @longwalks
