''Be grateful for what you have and you’ll always end up having more''
Gözde is the Founder of SOIL - The Social Mental Well-Being App At Your Finger-Tips. She has taken the challenge to answer our 20 Truth Questions, For us to gain some insight, And learn the Truth about the person behind the venture.
My TRUTH Story:
1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF IN THE THIRD PERSON TO A CROWD OF 10,000+ PEOPLE?
Gözde hails from Turkiye, yet embodies the essence of a true global citizen. Having dived into the worlds of tech, entrepreneurship, and yoga, she is a living example of how different backgrounds can blend together to create something remarkable. Having traveled to numerous countries, Gözde has cultivated a deep appreciation for the richness of varied perspectives, fuelling a great curiosity and drive for positive change in the world.
She met her co-founders just two months ago, And since has been pouring her passion into a groundbreaking social mental health app tailored by and for young adults, revolutionising accessibility to mental healthcare.
2. WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF A TRUTH FOUNDER? A Truth Founder isn't afraid to be vulnerable and to share their authentic journey; They recognise the importance of crafting a relatable truth story that resonates with others and inspires them along the way.
3. WHAT EVENT OR EVENTS HAPPENED TO YOU THAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A FOUNDER?
I had the biggest gift in my life happen to me last summer. I was a mass layoff at Shopify. I always had the idea of working on my own business to make something that’s not working work, and to serve a greater purpose and make an impact.
I had only started working on my business idea 3 weeks before I heard the news. At first, following the usual urge, I thought of finding a job after I took some rest. I soon realised that I actually found my calling and wanted to take the non-traditional route.
I needed to give it a shot! So here I am, pouring my heart into a business that I truly believe in.
4. WHAT IS YOUR MORNING ROUTINE & RITUAL? After having done my yoga teacher training, I realised I didn’t exactly need the things I was doing in the morning, like having black tea and something sweet. Rather, I needed mindful movements to be followed by a healthy, nutritious breakfast.
So now, I love starting my day with yoga, even if it’s 10 mins to set a positive tone for my day ahead.
5. WHAT MANTRA,QUOTE,LINE OR PHRASE DO YOU SAY OFTEN TO INSPIRE AND MOTIVATE YOURSELF? I live by “Practice and all is coming” by Sri. Pattabhi Jois, who is the founder of Ashtanga yoga.
I strongly believe in the power of practice and that there is nothing impossible to achieve.
You learn and grow as you practice (whatever it is you want to achieve) and you get better with consistency & time.
6. WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE SHOULD CARE ABOUT YOUR VENTURE? Being a data nerd: More than one-third of young adults today struggle with their mental health issues. A statistic comparable to the number of young adults who have completed a university degree. However, the resources available to help them are insufficient, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and lost about what they're experiencing.
Our solution at SOIL, is designed to bridge this gap by providing support in moments of stress that are familiar to everyone. We offer access to reliable, psychotherapeutic resources when they are needed most, ensuring that people receive assistance before a mental health crisis happens.
7. WHY DO YOU THINK YOU ARE THE ONE TO MAKE YOUR VENTURE A SUCCESS?
Because of the mantra I live by “Practice and all is coming”. I know I can get better at anything with consistent practice. This growth mindset I encompass makes me do the things I do.
I also believe that whenever the answer is ‘no’, there’s a ‘yes’ somewhere else awaiting you, which is a far better option for you. This could be translated as resilience within the business domain.
Most importantly, I am someone who always strives to help people and wants to solve their problems - at any cost!
8. WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOUR VENTURE? ( START WTIH: IMAGINE A WORLD... WHAT IF...WE WILL BE... )
We imagine a world where prioritising mental well-being is the norm and young adults are equipped with the tools & resources they need to navigate life's challenges.
Success means SOIL becoming the go-to companion for individuals, providing them with immediate care and guidance whenever they need it. Ultimately, we envision SOIL as a catalyst for positive change in how society views and addresses mental health, leading to healthier & more resilient communities.
9. ANSWER THESE AS MANY TIMES AS YOU LIKE - I BELIEVE... I DON'T BELIEVE... I believe in the power of practice.
I believe in the law of attraction.
I believe you have more power than you imagine with your thoughts, and the things that happen to you.
I believe teamwork makes the dream work, as cliche as it is!
I don’t believe that the answer ever remains ‘no’.
10. WHAT'S ONE DECISION YOU MADE AS A FOUNDER THAT COMPLETELY CHANGED THE COURSE OF YOUR JOURNEY? I started my journey with an idea to solve a problem I observed in the yoga industry. However, believing in teamwork rather than ideas, I chose to work with my co-founders on our mental healthcare venture.
Ideas are cheap and the right people are rare gems. Embracing this reality, I went with the flow and here we are, cooking something great together to serve you soon.
11. WHAT DO YOU REGARD AS YOUR GREATEST SUCCESS PERSONALLY & AS A FOUNDER? Despite the constant imposter syndrome, I kept pushing myself out of my comfort zone and learning. I discovered more about myself and became more resilient in life through the trainings I completed in yoga.
As a founder, I’m optimistic I will encounter more successes on my journey. However, securing co-founders through participation in a day-zero programme would undoubtedly mark a promising beginning.
12. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY? I influence/persuade people without even noticing if I’m talking about matters that are close to my heart. This comes in handy when I actually need to convince someone into collaborating, if you know what I mean.
Apart from that, I'm the go-getter who's always up for taking charge and getting sh*t done!
13. WHAT'S ONE THING YOU CAN IMPROVE ABOUT YOURSELF, AND WHY DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE NOT DONE IT BY NOW?
I could always care less about achieving the absolute best quality of a matter. I’ve got high standards and expect the same from those around me. But I am gradually learning to be okay with versions less than perfect and it is a process - I can already see some progress.
Certainly a slow one; For example, answering these questions took me more than a couple hours! haha
14. WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED OR GIVEN, OR BOTH?
This one is a toughie. After careful consideration, I thought I would go with two that are dear to me:
1) All you have is the here and now. It's fascinating how we often get caught up in the past or future, letting memories or worries dictate our present. Yet, we forget this simple truth and it's also this very moment that shapes what comes next. I make a conscious effort to anchor myself in the present, and I often encourage those around me to do the same for a more fulfilling life.
2) Be grateful for what you have and you’ll always end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. I find gratitude to be a crucial tool for a more fulfilling life too.
15. ON A SCALE FROM 1 TO 10 - 10 BEING THE BEST. HOW WELL DO YOU THINK YOU AND YOUR TRUTH STORY IS CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD BY YOUR COMMUNITY? ( WHY NOT 10? ) Scoring with a scale from 1-10, I usually go with 8.
I know that, had I had more time, I could always do better. Seeing how deep these questions are and how they push you to reflect genuinely, I feel my answers convey a sense of who I am as a person.
But I realise I should have this type of conversation with more people around me so that I can be more understood - hence the 8.
16. WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY? I have not had a role model in a while but mum was my first and still comes to mind when I'm asked such a question.
I am endlessly grateful for everything she has done and continues to do for me, putting me first before her needs and wants.
Simply being a great example of selflessness that we all need in life.
17. DESCRIBE YOUR VENTURE - ELEVATOR PITCH STYLE?
In today's fast-paced world, mental health support is often too slow. Existing solutions require hitting rock bottom or having a diagnosed mental illness before accessing help.
That's where SOIL comes in! Our app offers instant care and understanding for everyday situations that young adults may experience like ghosting or work drama. Users connect in a safe space as we build a community where every moment becomes a little more bearable. With SOIL, mental relief is just a finger-tip away.
18. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT MISSION STATEMENT OR MESSAGE + MARKET FIT FOR YOUR VENTURE?
We want to transform mental healthcare for young adults, providing instant support and understanding for everyday struggles.
We believe everyone deserves access to mental health resources when they need it most, without the barriers of diagnosis or shame.
Through our social mental health app, we aim to create a community where young adults can find connection, belongingness and empowerment to navigate life's challenges with more resilience - never alone.
19. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AFTER A LONG WORK DAY?
If I’m not dead tired, I love meeting friends for good food or any cool activity that’s happening, perhaps open air kino, live music, sip & paint, or anything yoga!
In the summer, this could simply be sitting outside next to the canal and enjoying what nature has to offer.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU TREATED YOURSELF TO AND WHAT DID YOU CELEBRATE? I treated myself to a yoga training that took place over the weekend and enjoyed nice tunes, learnings & people that made it an amazing experience. I always feel grateful for the times I practice yoga and even more so when I teach!
BONUS QUESTION: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ARE SUPPORTING YOU ON YOUR AMBITIOUS JOURNEY?
To all the incredible people supporting me on this ambitious journey, your interest and support mean the world to me, and I am blessed to have each and every one of you by my side.
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