Meet Larissa May | Founder

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

Hi Larissa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The root of innovation is problem-solving. I set out to start #HalfTheStory after experiencing my own mental health and social media struggle. I recognized that the screen played a role in my wellness so I made it my mission to empower digital wellness for the next generation and build a solution for the future from the ground up.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Almost a decade ago, #HalfTheStory set out to reshape the future of digital wellbeing and build an ecosystem that prioritizes mental health through mindful digital habits. Through grassroots movements (i.e., Screen-Free Weekends, Global Day of Unplugging), awareness campaigns (i.e., #HalfTheStory), and public advocacy (i.e., Protecting Kids on Social Media Act CA), #HalfTheStory has championed digital wellbeing. Today, our education program Social Media U helps young people evolve from being lost in mindless tech use to emotionally agile critical thinkers who understand the power of persuasive technology.

Two key things to know about #HalfTheStory:
We have teens at the core of everything we do and build. We never build for them, we build with them. We like to say- “teen work makes the dream work!”
You can’t save the world through fear. While the world is brewing moral panic around technology, we stand strong in empowering youth through education and advocacy. We see the best results in strength-based versus deficit-based approaches when it comes to youth. Our programs are rooted in play, creativity, and inspiration.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Gjusta for Breakfast – you can’t go wrong with the roe bagel- it’s earth-shattering it’s so good.
Abbots – Their salad pizza is the secret of Venice beach. Grab a few slices and head to the ocean!
Gjelina – naturally the best Italian in Venice beach
Take a boat out on the marina
House of Bossi – my friends’ salon series with artists and entrepreneurs in LA founded by Jen and Nicco Bossi

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband. We met early on when #HalfTheStory was an idea on the back of a napkin. He has been there with me through all the highs and lows. Often, he’s burning the midnight oil with me editing speeches and dreaming of visions for the future. He’s also the sun on the cloudiest of days. Every dreamer and visionary needs someone to remind you to keep your eyes on the prize when times are tough.

Website: https://www.halfthestoryproject.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halfthestory/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/-halfthestory/

Twitter: https://x.com/livinlikeLARZ