There’s no better way to begin than by saying… who run the world? GIRLS! Over the course of history, women have overcome a countless amount of trials and tribulations, and although society is making some advances with having women’s voices be heard and breaking the glass ceiling, we still have a long way to go. But, with amazing thought-leaders like Olivia DeRamus, we are definitely on a way towards a better future for women.
Meet the admirable Olivia DeRamus, the founder of the impactful app, Restless, which serves as an incredibly helpful, safe space for women.
When she was 19, DeRamus was sexually assaulted, and on top of that traumatic experience, her attacker even sued her in court for millions of dollars for defamation. This horrifying situation even more so opened DeRamus’ eyes to the wrongs that needed to be righted in this world. She then created Restless to help other women who are going through the same thing and provide much-needed resources for women to feel supported.
Restless, which is both an online platform and an app, addresses categories including power, pleasure, obsessions, and self. Topics discussed include the #MeToo movement, current affairs, money (and how to deal with money anxiety), travel, the mind and body, and the importance of self-care.
#BossLady DeRamus truly created something special with this app. There aren’t many places where you can find an all-in-one spot for women to be able to be vulnerable and embrace who they are. This brilliant entrepreneur has created a community where women can uplift one another, confide in each other, learn and continue to glow and grow. DeRamus inspires us all to never be complacent and to always be restless in order to create an even brighter and stronger future.
To continue the Restless mission, each month, a portion of their proceeds go to NGOs that make the world a better place for those who identify as women or LGBTQ+.
Alexisjoyvipaccess had an exceptional time interviewing the influential Olivia DeRamus all about what inspired her to create this extraordinary app, what she hopes women take away from using the Restless app, and so much more only in our VIPAccessEXCLUSIVE interview. The amazing DeRamus also sent out some terrific advice to those who are Restless too and want to help make a positive impact in this world – see what she had to say in our VIPAccessEXCLUSIVE interview below.
Read my VIPAccessEXCLUSIVE interview with trailblazer Olivia DeRamus below and be sure to visit the Restless website here and download the Restless app on Apple and Android devices.
Alexisjoyvipaccess: Restless is such an incredibly impactful (and much needed) app that serves as a safe space for women online. What inspired you to create this phenomenal app that has already made a difference in so many people’s lives?
Olivia DeRamus: Thank you for saying that! It honestly just resulted out of a very tough personal experience I was going through until a little over a year ago. It’s a long story, but essentially I was sexually assaulted, and when I reported my assaulter to the university, he sued me for millions of dollars. It sounds totally crazy right? Well, it was! And extremely isolating. I kept looking for information or anyone else who was going through something similar, and I couldn’t find anything. No help and certainly no one was talking about the fact that this could happen to you.
When I realized I wouldn’t be able to find justice from the court system, I knew I had to get creative about finding a way to feel empowered again. For years, I wasn’t able to tell anyone what was going on with me. And it was seriously messing with my mental health. Ultimately though, I thought that maybe if I could platform other women’s voices, that I would be able to express myself indirectly, and that maybe that would be enough. It started as an editorial site, but I kept thinking about the entirety of what I saw was missing in terms of resources for women. That’s why we’ve evolved into a social networking app. Women don’t just need information, we also need connection. And we often are too isolated to be able to find that IRL (especially now with COVID). I really believe in the power of women sharing their experiences directly with each other, not just in the traditional media formats. Plus, Instagram, Twitter, etc – those platforms really aren’t conductive for honest conversations. I wouldn’t want to talk about mental health with the abundance of trolls around on those, would you?
So now, not only does Restless provide actual helpful resources and journalism – whether it’s #metoo, Work & Money, and much more – if we haven’t already created something that can help with your problem, there are thousands of women who are ready to pull from their own experiences to support you in whatever you’re going through. And that includes bad breakups!
Alexisjoyvipaccess: What do you hope women take away from using this extraordinary app?
Olivia DeRamus: I hope that they see how universal our experiences are, and that no matter what it may feel like, you’re not alone. Being able to really see that in front of you is very different from being told that, with no way of accessing the people that line is talking about. Also, that their stories and their experiences are valid.
Alexisjoyvipaccess: You have and continue to make many efforts to help women and encourage them to be confident, share their story and have a community to connect with other supportive women. What advice would you give to those who are also restless and want to continue your mission and help women thrive?
Olivia DeRamus: I think it comes down to empathy. Change comes from little actions every day as well as those big accomplishments. If you’re approached for an opportunity, recommend someone you know is deserving too to do it with you. Really ask people how they are. Think about how your actions affect those around you (like protecting others by wearing a mask!), and of course – make sure to log on to the Restless Network app and use your experiences to help your fellow rebels when they ask for advice! One day, those same women will come through for you too!
Alexisjoyvipaccess: The Restless app launched in May and has already made a big impact. What is it like for you having created an online space that is helping and empowering so many women daily?
Olivia DeRamus: I think everyone reading this will agree that right now is a very difficult time for everyone. There is a lot of heartbreak going on, particularly in America. It gives me so much hope to see the good in people being exemplified every day by our community. I always thought that if given the chance, women would really come through for each other, but getting to see that actually happen is totally different from just thinking about it. When the news gets too depressing, sometimes I just scroll through the app to remind me that there are still so many good people in the world. To me, that reminder is such a gift. I wish that I had something like Restless Network when I was younger, but I’m so proud to be able to create it for others.
Alexisjoyvipaccess: Another main focus of the Restless app is POWER. There is a category for “work” and many women are working hard to go after their dreams and create their own businesses. As a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur yourself, what message would you like to give women who are working hard to create their own empires?
Olivia DeRamus: To push through the fear and have a clear vision of what you actually want. There’s a lot of Instagram pressure to create a certain kind of life. Are you building the life that’s right for you, or what traditional social media channels are telling you should want? I think that if you can answer that honestly, anything that you do after will put you on the path to what you’re actually looking for. Whether that’s work or any other area of your life. For business specifically though, I would really encourage people to just do it! Don’t let the fear of being embarrassed or rejection stop you from taking that chance. So often that’s the only thing standing in your way. Finally, think about what makes you and your business special. You don’t need to be following the trends, you just need to be your own individual self or brand. That individuality will get you farther than anything else will. And always, always write things down!
Follow @RestlessNetwork on social media.