In the tumultuous world of entrepreneurship, success stories often capture the limelight, showcasing the glamour and triumph of start-up founders. Yet, behind every thriving venture lies a journey marked by trials, setbacks, and moments of sheer determination. One such story is that of Stacy Thomson, 44, a solo entrepreneur and single mum based in St, Albans and whose path to success embodies the spirit of determination, resilience, and innovation.
From an early age, Stacy exhibited a thirst for knowledge and a relentless drive to defy expectations. Despite being labelled a C and D student in her youth, she refused to let her academic setbacks define her future. Instead, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery, pursuing higher education later in life and earning a Master of Science degree. Her academic journey included obtaining her first degree in mental health nursing at 29, and her second degree, aged 37.
As a mental health practitioner, Stacy’s extensive experience with various cognitive behavioural therapies equips her with a unique skill set that informs her work as a tech founder. She has received training in Compassion Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Relational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, among others.
It was during her academic pursuits that Stacy’s passion for mental health, technology, and innovation began to take shape. Armed with her newfound knowledge and desire to make a difference, she set out to carve her own path in the competitive world of tech entrepreneurship in the dating world.
Stacy’s journey as a solo entrepreneur was not without its challenges. Like many aspiring founders, she encountered numerous obstacles along the way – from securing funding to navigating the complexities of app development.
Inspired by her own (poor!) dating app experiences, she embarked on a mission to create a platform that transcended the superficiality of traditional dating apps and fostered genuine connections among users with attachment style theory at the core of the app’s offering.
Thus, REDDI was born – a revolutionary matchmaking, dating, and networking app designed to empower meaningful interactions and foster a sense of community in an increasingly digital and dopamine driven world. With its intuitive interface, human-centric matchmaking service, and emphasis on authenticity, REDDI quickly garnered widespread acclaim, earning Stacy recognition as a trailblazing figure in the dating world.
Yet, Stacy’s journey as a solo entrepreneur was not without its share of challenges. From facing bans and shadow-bans on dating apps due to her status as a dating app founder, she encountered obstacles that would have deterred even the most seasoned entrepreneur.
Thomson’s journey to creating REDDI was deeply personal. Burned out from years as a single woman navigating the complexities of dating apps, she found herself facing fertility challenges at the age of 41. Choosing the path of solo IVF, Thomson birthed the idea of a dating app that transcends the superficialities of modern dating. REDDI emerged as a response to the profound societal shifts in relationships, addressing the challenges faced by both men and women in their quest for meaningful connections.
With a diverse background that includes owning and operating a bar and holding a license to drive a 57-seater coach, Stacy brings a unique perspective to her role as a tech founder.
Thomson’s app employs Attachment Theory, core values, and love languages to maximize the chances of creating matches with longevity. REDDI positions itself as both an on and offline dating community, recognising that genuine connections often take time and her team offers guidance and support to users seeking more meaningful interactions.
The gamification of modern dating apps often leads to a cycle of dopamine release, creating addiction, burnout, and poor decision-making. Stacy Thomson is on a mission to highlight this and her app delivers a curated experience, showing users only five quality matches per day based on attachment style, location, and age. This intentional approach discourages endless swiping and encourages users to focus on more intimate discovery, vocalizing preferences, and non-negotiables within relationships.
Stacy Thomson believes in the power of social responsibility within the dating app industry. She also believes in never giving up. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and learning from every setback, qualities that are essential for success in the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship.
