Hey there, fellow working moms! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to juggle your career and family life, you’re definitely not alone. Today, we’re diving into an inspiring story about connection, community, and innovation with Michelle Kennedy. As the CEO and co-founder of Peanut, Michelle is transforming the way moms connect and build friendships, much like the dating apps that have revolutionized romantic relationships. Let’s explore her journey and how Peanut is creating a space for mothers to find their tribe.
A Journey from Corporate Law to Tech Innovation
Michelle Kennedy’s path to creating Peanut began in the world of corporate law. While she excelled in this field, she quickly realized it wasn’t where her passion lay. Her transition to tech started when she joined the dating app Badoo, where she played a crucial role in transforming the company’s internal legal offering and eventually became deputy CEO. During her time there, she witnessed the evolution of online dating from a taboo subject to a cool, casual experience.
At Badoo, Michelle observed the immense potential of connecting people through technology. She helped launch Bumble alongside Whitney Wolfe, creating a platform where women could take control of their dating lives. However, as a new mom, Michelle recognized a different kind of need—moms like her required a way to connect with other mothers for support, advice, and friendship.
The Birth of Peanut
The idea for Peanut came from Michelle’s personal experience as a first-time mom. She noticed that many of her friends were not yet parents, and finding a community of women who understood her journey was increasingly difficult. Instead of settling for outdated forums or impersonal Facebook groups, Michelle envisioned a platform that would utilize algorithms similar to those in dating apps, but tailored for mothers seeking meaningful friendships.
Peanut was officially launched in February 2017, and since then, it has grown to serve over 500,000 women, primarily in the U.S. The app allows mothers to connect based on shared interests, parenting styles, and life experiences, creating a supportive environment for discussions ranging from motherhood to personal growth.
The Power of Community
Michelle’s mission with Peanut goes beyond simple connections; it’s about fostering a community where women can openly share their experiences, challenges, and victories. On Peanut, women can engage in topic-based conversations, ask for advice, and find support in a safe space. The app’s unique features, like Peanut Packs—fun ways for users to describe themselves—help users identify commonalities and make meaningful connections.
During our conversation, Michelle highlighted the importance of having a strong support network, especially for moms. As she pointed out, women often need various people in their lives to fulfill different emotional and practical needs. This idea aligns perfectly with the Boss Mom philosophy that we can nurture both our businesses and our families without sacrificing our well-being.
Innovations in Friendship
In a world where social media has become increasingly broad, Peanut seeks to create a more niche, community-driven experience. This shift allows women to connect over specific interests and shared experiences, fostering deeper relationships. As Michelle explained, many conversations on the app revolve around personal relationships, parenting advice, and even career support—showing just how multifaceted our needs are as moms.
The Struggles of Modern Motherhood
As moms today, many of us are navigating uncharted waters. Michelle pointed out that Americans tend to be a bit more open when it comes to connecting with others, which is a great thing! In the U.S., moving for jobs or lifestyle changes is super common, and that often leaves us without our traditional support systems—our friends, family, and neighbors.
How many of us have found ourselves saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” only to realize that our village is scattered across states or even non-existent? It can feel lonely out there! That’s where the Peanut app comes in. It’s a fantastic platform where we can find other moms who totally get what we’re going through. It’s all about creating those connections that can help us tackle the challenges of motherhood together.
The Magic of Shared Experiences
Dana and Michelle hit the nail on the head when they talked about the importance of connecting with others, especially during tough times. Whether you’re going through a rough pregnancy or juggling work stress, knowing there’s someone else out there who understands can be a game-changer. Michelle shared her struggles with an awful first trimester, and I think we can all relate to those tough moments when we feel like we’re drowning.
When we open up about our experiences, it normalizes what we’re all feeling. As Michelle said, “Imagine if I were a nurse or a cashier… I don’t know how other women in other sectors do it.” This kind of honesty is refreshing! It reminds us that we’re not alone and that it’s okay to ask for help.
Embracing Vulnerability
Let’s talk about vulnerability for a second. It can feel scary to share our struggles, but it’s also incredibly freeing. Dana shared a moment when she broke down in a Starbucks bathroom after losing her father, and that raw honesty is something we can all learn from. Crying doesn’t make us less capable or intelligent—it’s just a natural way to process our emotions.
By being vulnerable, we encourage other moms to do the same, and that’s how we create supportive environments. The more we share, the more we realize that we’re all in this together, facing similar challenges and celebrating the same wins.
Building Your Community
So, how do you find your tribe? Check out apps like Peanut to connect with other moms who get it. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, emotional support, or just someone to vent to, these connections can really help reduce that lonely feeling.
Dana emphasizes that there can never be too many resources for us moms. The BossMom community is another awesome option, offering local meetups and online support for moms looking to connect. Find what works for you!
Conclusion: Why Community is Key for Working Moms
In this ever-changing world, finding a supportive community is crucial for us working moms. Dana and Michelle’s conversation highlights just how powerful it can be to share our experiences and lean on one another. When we reach out and connect, we lighten our load and make this wild journey of motherhood a bit more manageable.
So, if you’re feeling alone or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek out your community. Whether it’s through apps like Peanut or local groups, remember that you don’t have to do this alone. You deserve to feel supported and connected—so go ahead, reach out, and find your tribe! You’ve got this!
Guest Bio
Michelle Kennedy is the CEO and co-founder of Peanut. She started Peanut after struggling to meet other mamas she could relate to while also working. After finding herself trawling outdated blogs for baby advice at 2 am while her friends were still hanging out in clubs, she decided to create a product that would empower other modern mamas to support each other.
Michelle started her career as an M&A lawyer at leading international law firm Mishcon de Reya. She later joined dating app, Badoo, where she transformed the internal legal offering within Badoo and eventually rose to the role of Deputy CEO at the $100m+ revenue generative market leader. She was also integral to the launch of the dating app, Bumble.
Having worked in the dating apps industry for five years, Michelle has unprecedented experience and understanding of the safety and growth elements of building a social product.
To download or learn more about the Peanut app, go to https://www.peanut-app.io/.
February 7, 2019