We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sara Doutt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sara below.
Sara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Title: From Idea to Execution: A Journey of Persistence and Discovery
Five years ago, an idea sparked in my mind—a vision of creating a platform that would revolutionize networking and foster genuine connections. However, like many dreams, it remained dormant as I grappled with doubts and uncertainties. I conducted extensive research, explored various avenues, but struggled to find a developer who could bring my vision to life with quality work and affordability.
For a while, I nearly abandoned the idea altogether. The challenge of finding the right developer seemed insurmountable, and I found myself on the brink of giving up. But then, a twist of fate intervened. I stumbled upon a podcast entirely dedicated to mobile apps—an unexpected source of inspiration that reignited my passion and determination.
Listening to the podcast, I found a glimmer of hope. It was there that I discovered my developer—a talented individual whose expertise and commitment aligned perfectly with my vision. With newfound optimism, I embarked on the journey of turning my idea into reality.
However, launching a business is never easy. It requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to take calculated risks. Before taking the leap, I made sure to have my own personal finances in order—a decision that was met with uncertainty and apprehension. But I knew that to achieve success, I had to trust in my instincts and embrace the unknown, regardless of the outcome.
The next days, hours, months, and years were a whirlwind of activity. I delved into the intricacies of app development, navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship, and forged partnerships with like-minded individuals who shared my vision. I had to figure out everything from market analysis and user research to branding and marketing strategies—all while balancing the demands of daily life.
Each step forward brought its own set of challenges and triumphs. There were moments of doubt and setbacks, but there were also moments of exhilaration and accomplishment. With unwavering determination and a steadfast belief in my vision, I persevered through the obstacles, never losing sight of the ultimate goal.
Finally, after years of dedication and hard work, the day arrived—the launch of Myngly. It was a culmination of countless hours of effort, passion, and sacrifice—a testament to the power of persistence and resilience. As I watched my vision come to life before my eyes, I knew that every hurdle, every setback, had been worth it.
Today, Myngly stands as a testament to the journey from idea to execution—a journey marked by perseverance, discovery, and unwavering determination. It serves as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks, anything is possible. And as I reflect on the journey that brought me here, I am grateful for every challenge, every setback, and every triumph, for they have shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Sara Doutt, Founder and CEO, is an accomplished MBA graduate and Wall Street Banker. Recognized as one of Business Insider’s Top Private Bankers Under 40, Sara’s illustrious career has been shaped by her experiences on Wall Street, where the seeds of Myngly were sown. Inspired by the transformative impact of her mentors and networking, Sara’s journey took a significant turn during the pandemic. It was during her time on Wall Street that Sara conceptualized the idea for Myngly. She observed that traditional social connection apps were predominantly virtual yet the stats show that deals are made in person. In response to this realization, she aspired to create a platform that would encourage people to re-engage with the real world. Sara envisioned a solution that not only instilled confidence but also propelled individuals to new heights in their personal and professional lives.
In just a brief five-month span on the App Store, we have achieved notable success, amassed thousands of users and garnering exceptional 5-star reviews. Our strategic partnerships with prominent organizations and universities, such as Texas Young Professionals, QS MBA, TX State, University of Texas at San Antonio, and University of Arkansas, combined with our impactful Ambassador Program and collaborations with social media influencers, have propelled us into a phase of rapid growth.
Our achievements have not gone unnoticed, as we’ve attracted media attention through features on FOX Radio, iHeart Radio, and Westwood One. The recent acceptance into the Google for Startups, one of six female founders selected to participate in 2024 AccelerateHER cohort by Texas Women’s University and our nomination for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in North Texas is a testament to our upward trajectory, promising continued growth, and recognition.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship often requires the flexibility to pivot when faced with unforeseen challenges or opportunities. For Myngly, our journey was no exception. We began with a vision of facilitating connections through ad hoc or informal gatherings, with the idea of creating pins on a map for users to find like-minded individuals in their vicinity.
However, as we delved deeper into the development of our social networking platform, we encountered a crucial realization: building a thriving social network requires a critical mass of users. With only a couple of hundred users initially onboarded, we recognized the need to scale back our ambitious vision and take a more gradual approach towards our end goal.
It was at this juncture that we made the decision to pivot, shifting our focus towards a more scalable and sustainable model. We introduced the concept of formal events via a calendar screen, allowing users to create and discover events in real-time. This pivot not only addressed the challenge of user engagement but also provided a tangible value proposition for our growing community.
The transition from informal gatherings to formal events marked a significant turning point in our journey. By providing users with a platform to organize and attend events, we created opportunities for meaningful connections to flourish in a structured and organized manner. From networking mixers to professional seminars, our calendar screen became a hub for individuals to connect, collaborate, and engage with like-minded peers.
Moreover, the introduction of formal events enabled us to gather valuable insights into user behavior and preferences, laying the groundwork for future iterations and enhancements. We listened to feedback from our users, iterated on our features, and continuously refined our platform to better meet the evolving needs of our community.
While pivoting was not without its challenges, it ultimately proved to be a transformative experience for Myngly. It taught us the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the willingness to embrace change in the pursuit of our vision. By remaining agile and responsive to the needs of our users, we were able to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and chart a course towards sustainable growth and success.
Today, Myngly stands as a testament to the power of pivoting—a reminder that every obstacle presents an opportunity for growth and innovation. As we continue to evolve and expand our platform, we remain committed to our mission of fostering genuine connections and empowering individuals to build meaningful relationships in an increasingly connected world.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
As a tech entrepreneur, my journey diverges from the traditional co-founder narrative. I embarked on this path solo, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship independently. However, despite being a solo founder, I am fortunate to have an incredible team supporting me every step of the way.
My team consists of Kensi, our Brand Manager, ensures our brand message resonates with our audience. Doug, the Founder of TYP and GC of Myngly, provides invaluable legal and strategic counsel. Chaim, Founder of B7Dev, brings technical expertise and guidance to our development process. Nikola, our Head of Marketing, spearheads our brand’s visibility and reach. Melanie, our Director of Strategic Partnerships, cultivates crucial alliances to drive growth. Lastly, Ana, our Creative Director, whose innovative ideas bring our vision to life.
While I may have begun this journey alone, it’s the collective efforts and expertise of my dedicated team that propel our venture forward. Their contributions enhance our capabilities and accelerate our progress, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and shared vision in the startup ecosystem.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myngly.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mynglyapp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MynglyApp
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mynglyapp/about/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mynglyapp
- Other: App Store: https://qrco.de/bdnGJp
Image Credits
Megan Piotrowski