These women want to text you positive affirmations all day
We've all woken up and thought, "Should I call in sick again?"
Shine wants to give you the motivational boost you need. The daily texting service launched Tuesday with the goal to inspire millennials with fun and relatable text messages throughout the day.
"Millennials are increasingly seeking ways to connect with themselves and set their days and their lives up for success. It's called intentional living and they are all about it," says the founders in email to Mashable.
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What started as a "side hustle” for Naomi Hirabayashi and Marah Lidey in 2015 became full time when they left positions at DoSomething.org to focus on Shine. "We had working sessions every weekday morning (hello, 6 a.m. Google Hangout) and every weeknight, as well as Sunday working sessions at our apartments,” Lidey says. "One Sunday, months before we knew we had funding, we took an extra long gulp of rosé and said 'let's do this.'"
As two women of color, Lidey and Hirabayashi say they are "dedicated to diversifying the world of tech and entrepreneurship." Silicon Valley, the heart of the tech industry, is known for its diversity problems, and women entrepreneurs statistically receive less funding.
The founders saw the problem with using social media, even its seemingly uplifting hashtags, like "Motivational Monday" or "Throwback Thursday," for encouragement. Studies have shown constant social media use can contribute to depression; comparing ourselves to other people on Instagram may not be the healthiest motivation.
"While social media helps us connect with others, it often only shows the 'highlight reel' of our friends or celebs, which adds to the pressure," says Lidey.
"They are not alone...what they are experiencing is 100% normal."
On Shine, each day has a different theme, with topics surrounding ways users can be happier, healthier and encourage them to be more confident and productive. The texts often include a GIF, quote or pop culture reference. Each includes a link to an article relating to the theme of the text.
The text is sent at 8:30 a.m. based on the user's timezone. Because the language aims to be relatable, the service feels like an encouraging friend rooting for you to have a good day.
"There are articles, books and pricey career or life coaching, but nothing that is bite-sized and approaches you like a friend would (with ample Olivia Pope GIFS in tow). Shine is for millennials who are thinking about their work and life decisions 24/7 and have highs and lows throughout the week," says Lidey.
Users can respond up to five times a day for further inspiration:
Early user reviews are mostly positive.
Users can sign up for the free texting service on the website. Standard texting rates apply.
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Topics Apps & Software Mental Health
Chelsea Frisbie was interning at Mashable as the Lifestyle Section Intern. A SUNY Oswego Alum, she graduated with a degree in Broadcasting and Mass Communication and a minor in Gender Studies, and while there received several awards for her three talk shows and work in local news. Her favorite pastimes include watching Dr. Phil, practicing her Emmy acceptance speech, and subtly sneaking feminism into her daily conversations.
