It takes a village. And thanks to Michelle Kennedy (she/her), founder and CEO of Peanut, she’s dedicated her career to building one just for you. “My career path has been driven by a passion for technology and a deep commitment to solving women’s issues, especially mothers,” she says. “My journey into entrepreneurship was inspired by my own experiences with loneliness as one, and made me realize the need for a platform where women—particularly moms—could connect, share stories, and encourage each other.”

This essentially led to the launch of Peanut, a social networking app designed to foster connections among women at similar stages in life, especially around fertility, pregnancy, motherhood, and menopause. Whether you’re on that walk yourself or know a woman in your life who could use some extra support, keep reading to learn about the ins and outs of the brand and how to get involved. ❤️

How exactly does Peanut work?
Women start by creating a profile where they share their interests, experiences, and stage in life. Whether they’re trying to conceive, pregnant, a mother, or navigating menopause, Peanut helps them connect with others in similar situations. We’ve built a sophisticated algorithm that suggests potential friends based on shared interests and life phases. The app has a thriving community where women can engage in conversations, ask questions, and share advice on a myriad of topics. Because community safety and privacy are paramount at Peanut, we have robust measures in place to create a secure online space where women feel safe sharing their most vulnerable moments. In essence, Peanut is more than an app; it’s a movement towards fostering solidarity.

What inspired you to create this platform?
The journey to creating Peanut began with the isolation and loneliness I felt after becoming a mother. While I was navigating the new and often overwhelming world of motherhood, my friends, who lived nearby, were in a completely different phase of life. I vividly remember those nights, up at 2 A.M. for feedings, feeling a sense of disconnect from my friends who were out enjoying late-night parties. It wasn’t that I lacked support or love from them, but there was a growing realization that our lives were different. They couldn’t fully relate to my experiences of motherhood, and I found myself feeling somewhat adrift from the social circles and lifestyle I had known. This disconnect was more than just about differing schedules or social activities, it was about the profound life changes that come with motherhood and changes that were hard to explain to those who hadn’t experienced them. The constant cycle of feeding, changing, and soothing a newborn, coupled with the physical and emotional changes I was undergoing, created a sense of isolation that was challenging to articulate and share with friends who hadn’t lived it themselves.

I realized that there must be many other women feeling the same way—seeking connection, understanding, and a community that could relate to their experiences. Peanut was born out of the desire to bridge this gap, to create a platform where women could come together, share their journeys, and find solace in the shared understanding of motherhood’s unique challenges and joys.

How does Peanut cater to women in all walks of life?
Our core mission is to support and connect women through every stage and experience of their journey, recognizing the vast diversity in the paths to and experiences of motherhood. We are deeply committed to creating a space that is inclusive and supportive of all experiences, including those that are often underrepresented. We understand that the path to motherhood and parenting can take many forms. This includes experiences like baby loss, surrogacy, and adoption, each of which comes with its own set of emotional journeys and practical challenges. Our platform includes specialized groups that cater to these unique experiences. Whether it’s discussing the complexities of sex and relationships, navigating the adoption process, sharing the grief and recovery of baby loss, or celebrating the joys of same-sex parenting, Peanut provides a platform for these important conversations. Above all, it fosters a community of empathy and understanding.

Are there any testimonies that have personally touched you?
There are so many! One member shared her struggle with postpartum depression and loneliness. Through the app, she connected with other mothers with children of similar ages, forming a support network that became an emotional lifeline, transforming her mental and emotional well-being. Another story involves a user who had a wedding dress emergency, and her friend offered her own dress for the special day, creating a bond that they now liken to sisterhood. We also heard from a user who, during a challenging time, was welcomed into another user’s home, providing not just a place to stay but also a family and a sense of belonging. Another member from a same-sex couple shared her journey of feeling isolated in the process of becoming a parent. Joining Peanut allowed her to connect with others who understood the unique challenges they faced, offering validation and a sense of community.

What’s your advice for those who feel unsure about joining a community like the one you’ve built?
Finding community, especially in the digital space, can feel daunting, but it’s a step worth taking for the immense support and connection it offers. Start small—you don’t have to dive in headfirst. Begin by exploring the platform at your own pace. Read through some conversations and explore potential friends who live nearby. When you’re ready to engage, be authentic. You’re not alone in your feelings, and authenticity can be incredibly resonant in this kind of setting.

Observing and listening can also be a powerful first step. Making connections might not happen overnight, and that’s okay. Community-building is a journey, and each step, no matter how small, is progress. Lastly, remember that everyone in the community has been where you are. You’re joining a group of people who understand and who want to support and uplift each other. The millions of women who have found friendship on Peanut is a testament to the fact that taking that first step can be the start of something truly transformative.