How music can heal: Ariana Alexander-Sefre

Content warning – this post, and the podcast it promotes, covers issues relating to suicide and mental health. If you have been impacted by these issues, we have gathered resources at the bottom of the article which may help you.

From a tragic beginning, an intriguing and powerful new business was born. In this episode of Speaking of Startups, we’re joined by Ariana Alexander-Sefre, founder of SPOKE, a mental health focused app that uses the power of music to support young, often male, users feeling disconnected from typical avenues for seeking help.

“In 2017, my younger brother sadly lost one of his best friends to suicide,” Ariana tells us. “Within a year, two friends lost brothers to suicide as well. I suddenly became very, very aware of not just male mental health, but of the epidemic that we’re currently in around mental health.”

In 2019, Ariana founded SPOKE, which aimed to make mental wellbeing tools more accessible for millions who are underserved by traditional or clinical practices. The platform aims to be culturally relevant and engaging, in particular for young men who may have felt they had no relatable support available.

“Musicians are key gateways to millions and millions of underserved people around the world – the kind of people that healthcare, universities, schools, yoga teachers and therapists that are trying to do good literally cannot reach.”

The app is full of music- and voice-guided meditations to help listeners reduce anxiety, wind down, fall asleep, or begin their day. It has personalised music sessions, breathing exercises, and CBT techniques to help guide listeners.

I suddenly became very, very aware of not just male mental health, but of the epidemic that we're currently in around mental health.

Joining our podcast to discuss the complex issues that led to her creation of the SPOKE app, Ariana also shares her insights and advice for other would-be business founders.

“The first thing I would say is that it is so important to understand the problem and the people that you’re serving,” Ariana cautions. “Don’t get me wrong, you might be really lucky, but usually, you make a ton of mistakes. You waste loads and loads of money. The first stage before spending money on building anything is that depth of research and understanding.”

Thanks to her careful planning and vision for the business, Ariana is clearly making an impact with investors, as well as users. SPOKE has raised over £1.6m in investment since launch. And it caught our eye, too – at the beginning of the year, we listed SPOKE among the UK’s top businesses to watch in our annual Startups 100 index.

Usually, you make a ton of mistakes. You waste loads and loads of money. The first stage before spending money on building anything is that depth of research and understanding

We hope you enjoy this episode of Speaking of Startups, and be sure to subscribe to ensure you always get the next available episode first.

This episode is hosted by Eloise Skinner, founder of two businesses herself, as well as a published author and contributor to multiple sites, including our own Startups.co.uk, as well as Entrepreneur, Business Insider, and Management Today. You can learn more about Eloise and her own journey at ⁠eloiseskinner.com

If you or anyone you know have been affected by the issues discussed in this post and podcast, support is available. Speak to a mental health professional, or seek support from the Samaritans who can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org