Growing up as a chubby, nerdy kid with bifocals, I faced my share of rejections. These experiences taught me a lot about friendship, compassion, and empathy. Some say I’m too trusting and altruistic to succeed, but I embrace being myself and seeing where life takes me.
Throughout my life, I've dealt with feelings of isolation and anxiety. Moving to New York and transitioning to remote work intensified these feelings, leaving me disconnected from the world. Surprisingly, during this period of isolation, I built meaningful connections with people online, some of whom are my closest friends today. I honestly never thought it could be possible but I would have never known if I didn't try.
My struggles with anxiety and depression grew, especially when I found myself alone caring for my parents during their hospitalizations. During this challenging time, I questioned how I could make a positive impact in the world.
One day, I found myself on Reddit’s mental health subreddit, helping others as a way to feel better. I aimed to support at least one person daily, realizing how impactful one supportive interaction could be. I learned that many people feel alone, can’t afford therapy, and just want someone to talk to.
That’s why I created Ohavah—a space for people to connect, share interests, and build supportive friendships. Ohavah provides a safe, anonymous environment where people can find understanding, support and new friends. My goal is simple: to make a difference in a few lives by fostering genuine connections and offering a supportive network of people just like you and I.
Creating Ohavah has been a personal journey, driven by my struggles and desire to help others feel less alone. I know my younger self would have enjoyed this platform and built friendships with people I would have never met otherwise. It could have been a place where I could open up about my struggles, find support, and meet new people with shared interests to chat with.
One conversation could change your life and I am hoping it could do that for you.
Founder’s Story: Why I Started Ohavah
Nice to meet you, I'm Shai.
This isn’t about me. I’m just like you, wanting to make a difference. If I could change a few lives, that would be enough. You can read my story; hopefully, it gives you some perspective about who I am.