Laura J. Wellington
Laura J. Wellington is an award-winning multi-industry entrepreneur and author. She is also the mother of five kids.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I grew up in New Jersey, the second child of four. I was both studious and social. I played numerous team sports. My family was loving. My goals are to exhaust every dream that I have; live life to the fullest; honor God; make positive contributions to the world; be happy; and love my family. I want to spread light wherever I go. My role models are Jesus, my parents, and my children.
Tell us something about your initiative/business. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
ZNEEX is an app that introduces new friends who enjoy walking together. As there is a loneliness epidemic ravaging the United States, ZNEEX is helping to turn that tide for the better by making it easy to find new friends in local communities. Never underestimate the power of a good walk and talk between new friends. They can be life saving.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
The idea for ZNEEX arose during the Covid-19 pandemic. During that time, many life transitions occurred. People’s norms were impacted, which includes who they associated with based upon philosophical views about the pandemic. Couple that with the growing political divide and many were left feeling isolated and alone. I knew that to help move this nation back to a better place, I needed to design a path that connected people through friendship and walking (a safe outdoor exercise that replaced lessor safe indoor exercises). Thus I created the ZNEEX app to do just that. We say that “ZNEEX makes finding new friends as easy as a walk in the park!” And it does.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
Our users really enjoy how easy ZNEEX is to use. It has garnered the “Brainz 500 Award.“
How has your life changed because of your initiative/venture?
I do a great deal more interviews than I ever have before as everyone seems to be interested in learning about ZNEEX. I’ve been on broadcast and online news, podcasts, and more talking about the app as well as additionally relatable topics.
Do you have anyone who is the biggest support system in your life? Please let us know.
My children.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity? OR Share a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
As Wayne Dyer says, “Don’t die with your music still in you.” I believe that to my core. As my husband died when I was 35 years-old, I learned quite young how short life can be. Live it fully and fearlessly.