Meet Charvi Agarwal | Tech Founder & Mother

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charvi Agarwal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charvi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea for Tales.so came from my own life as a busy mom and professional. I realized that between managing work, family, and everyday tasks, I was struggling to find time for personal growth and learning. Books have always been a source of inspiration for me, but diving into a full book often felt daunting with my schedule. I thought, “What if there was a way to make books more accessible, engaging, and digestible for people like me?”

That’s when the idea of Tales.so was born—a platform that transforms books into bite-sized audio and video content, podcasts using AI. I wanted to create something that busy individuals, whether they’re parents, students, or professionals, could use during commutes, long breaks, or everyday routines like cooking or stroller walks. The goal was to make learning and inspiration a seamless part of daily life.

Starting this business was also about solving a broader problem—helping people rediscover the joy of books in a world dominated by endless scrolling and short attention spans. Tales.so isn’t just a product; it’s a movement to make learning fun, convenient, and personalized.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Tales.so is a platform designed to make learning personal, accessible, and meaningful for everyone. It’s not just about book summaries—it’s about creating a personalized learning journey tailored to your life. Whether you’re a busy mom, a student, or a professional, Tales.so acts like a life coach, helping you grow by delivering key insights when you need them most.

The idea for Tales.so came from my own journey after becoming a mom. After my pregnancy, I felt completely lost trying to balance being a working mom and finding time for myself. If I was working, I felt the weight of mom guilt; if I focused on family, I felt like I was falling behind in my career. And in all of this, there was no “me time.” I wanted to learn, grow, and feel inspired again, but I had no time to sit with a book or take long breaks for personal development. I thought, If only something like Tales existed—something that could fit learning and growth into my busy, chaotic life.

What sets Tales.so apart is how it turns everyday moments into opportunities for growth. With AI-powered recommendations, it suggests books, podcasts, and summaries based on your daily routine. For a working mom like me, that could mean parenting tips during a stroller walk, leadership insights while folding laundry, or self-care ideas in the few quiet minutes after bedtime. Tales.so transforms those overlooked moments into a chance to reconnect with yourself.

One of my favorite features is our podcast series, where we break down books into engaging, bite-sized episodes. These podcasts are perfect for multitasking—whether you’re cooking dinner, commuting, or taking a rare moment to breathe. It’s all about meeting people where they are, no matter how busy their day is.

Starting Tales.so wasn’t easy. As a mom and founder, I had to navigate the demands of family life while building a product I truly believed in. There were days when balancing everything felt impossible, but the vision of creating a tool that could help others like me kept me going. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that personal growth doesn’t have to come in big leaps—it can happen in small, intentional moments. And that’s exactly what Tales.so is designed to do.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about Tales.so, it’s that it’s not just an app—it’s a partner in your journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of motherhood, starting your career, or simply trying to find time for yourself, Tales.so is here to help you grow, one story at a time.

Our iOS app is now publicly available here — https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tales-audio-book-summaries/id6738079037?ref=shoutoutla for anyone to give a try 🙂

We also have a web app on https://www.tales.so

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting LA, I’d keep it simple and focus on some of my favorite spots that truly capture the city’s charm. We’d start the day with brunch at République—their pastries are absolutely unforgettable—before heading to the Santa Monica Pier for a stroll along the beach. It’s one of the most iconic piers, complete with amazing ice cream and fun games that bring out your inner kid. I have gone there for the past 5 years for each of my birthdays. Have sort of become a tradition for me!

For lunch, Gjelina in Venice is always a winner. The vibe is laid-back, and the food is consistently delicious.

In the evening, my personal favorite spot is the Griffith Observatory. The walk up is a lot of fun, and the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset. To wrap up the day, dinner at Nobu Malibu is a must—the sushi is phenomenal, and the ocean views make it a truly unforgettable experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family—my husband and toddler—who have been my biggest cheerleaders. My husband’s support has been unwavering, and his belief in my vision is what keeps me going, even on the hardest days. My toddler, with her boundless energy and curiosity, is a constant reminder of why I’m building Tales.so: to create something meaningful that balances life, learning, and growth.

I also draw immense inspiration from trailblazers like Indra Nooyi and Michelle Zatlyn, who have shown that it’s possible to thrive in both career and family life. Indra Nooyi’s candid discussions about her challenges balancing the demands of being a CEO with her role as a mother have deeply resonated with me. Her ability to lead PepsiCo while staying rooted in her family values inspires me to strive for the same balance in my life.

Michelle Zatlyn, as the co-founder of Cloudflare, is another role model who embodies what it means to excel as a leader while being a devoted parent. Her perspective on integrating work and family life has shaped how I approach my own career as a founder and a mom. Both of these incredible women remind me that while the path isn’t always easy, it’s possible to build something impactful without sacrificing what matters most.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the working moms out there who show up every day for both their careers and families. Their resilience and determination inspire me to create tools like Tales.so that make learning and personal growth more accessible, even in the busiest of lives.

Website: https://www.tales.so

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tales.hq/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charvimittal/

Twitter: https://x.com/mittalcharvi5

Other: iOS App — https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tales-audio-book-summaries/id6738079037