Podcast Summary: "So Much Better Than A Wedding Registry"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Dream
- Host: Jane Marie
- Guest: Olivia Howell, CEO and Co-Founder of Fresh Starts Registry
- Episode Title: So Much Better Than A Wedding Registry
- Release Date: April 24, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "So Much Better Than A Wedding Registry," host Jane Marie engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Olivia Howell, the CEO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry. Olivia shares her personal journey through divorce and the inspiration behind creating a unique support system for individuals navigating the complexities of ending a marriage.
Olivia's Personal Journey
Background and Marriage: Olivia Howell, a 40-year-old single mother from Long Island, recounts her marriage journey beginning in 2011. She met her ex-husband on Match.com, moved in together swiftly, and had two children. However, by April 2019, their marriage had deteriorated due to differing life goals, emotional and psychological abuse, and Olivia’s burnout from being the primary caregiver.
Trigger for Divorce: Olivia describes the pivotal moment that led to her divorce:
Olivia Howell [07:32]: "I think it was me stepping into my power, which really kind of was the impetus."
Her realization came after seeking therapy for binge eating, which empowered her to recognize the toxic dynamics in her marriage.
Creating Fresh Starts Registry
Inception of the Idea: The concept of Fresh Starts Registry emerged from Olivia’s struggle to declutter her life post-divorce. She noticed the absence of a "divorce registry" akin to a wedding registry and decided to fill that void.
Olivia Howell [25:34]: "So I went online and I Googled, and the only things that came up were articles from major publications like Vogue and Elle that were asking the same question. Why is there not a divorce registry?"
Development and Launch: With the support of her sister, Olivia launched Fresh Starts Registry during the tumultuous times of the pandemic. The platform offers bundles of essential items through Amazon, allowing individuals to create a personalized registry without the complexities and costs associated with traditional registries.
Understanding Fresh Starts Registry
What It Is: Fresh Starts Registry is the first-of-its-kind divorce registry and support network. It allows individuals to create a registry of essential items needed to rebuild their lives post-divorce.
Key Features:
- Registry Bundles: Curated bundles from Amazon covering essentials like sheets, towels, utensils, and personalized items.
- Expert Guide: Over 100 experts including divorce lawyers, financial planners, therapists, and other essential service providers.
- Free to Use: Building a registry and accessing expert resources is entirely free for users.
Olivia Howell [30:31]: "So you can send that registry to family and friends. And what we also do is we provide language for you. So we have scripts that you can send and text to people with your registry to alert them to the fact that you are now single again and need some help."
Business Model and Monetization
Revenue Streams:
- Expert Subscriptions: Experts pay a monthly fee of $55 to be listed on the platform, receive PR support, and gain exposure through Fresh Starts’ marketing efforts.
- Affiliate Marketing: Minimal revenue from Amazon affiliate links within the registry bundles.
Olivia Howell [33:30]: "So you're like the yellow pages of divorce."
Bootstrapping and Challenges: Olivia faced significant challenges in securing venture capital due to industry biases, leading her to bootstrap the company. She even sold her house to invest in Fresh Starts Registry, demonstrating her commitment to the mission.
Olivia Howell [35:36]: "And I sold my house to invest in the company."
Mission and Impact
Normalizing Divorce: Olivia emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing divorce, presenting it as a life transition rather than a failure. Fresh Starts Registry aims to provide practical support and emotional reassurance to those going through divorce.
Olivia Howell [37:26]: "We're the first divorce registry and also divorce platform with experts. So we are the fastest growing divorce support network of experts and of the things you need to rebuild your life."
Support for Vulnerable Populations: The platform particularly focuses on supporting women who may be facing financial abuse, domestic violence, or other challenges during divorce.
Olivia Howell [50:21]: "We're still dealing with a high level of domestic violence. The most dangerous time for a woman is when she leaves her marriage."
Reception and Handling Criticism
Media Attention: Fresh Starts Registry has garnered significant media attention, including features in New York Magazine. Olivia discusses how the concept has been both praised and criticized, with some misunderstanding the business model and mission.
Olivia Howell [43:25]: "Like, how do you think that they make $700 an hour. And secondly, that's not even our business model."
Addressing Haters: Olivia addresses the criticism that the platform profits from people's pain, countering it by highlighting that their revenue comes from experts who benefit from increased exposure rather than directly from users' struggles.
Olivia Howell [44:26]: "And what's really important to us, number one, is it's always free to access any of the divorce resources on Fresh Starts."
Future Plans and Services
Free Consultations: In January 2025, Olivia introduced 100% free divorce resource consultations, offering 15-minute Zoom sessions to connect individuals with the necessary resources and experts.
Olivia Howell [38:25]: "I've started offering 100% free divorce resource consults with people. So basically what that is it's 15 minutes on Zoom with me. You tell me what's going on in your divorce and I will find you the resources you need."
Expanding Support: Olivia plans to continue expanding Fresh Starts Registry by incorporating more resources, enhancing the expert guide, and providing additional support mechanisms for those undergoing divorce.
Conclusion
"So Much Better Than A Wedding Registry" offers an in-depth look into Olivia Howell’s transformative journey through divorce and her innovative solution to support others in similar situations. Fresh Starts Registry stands as a beacon of hope, offering practical assistance and emotional support, while striving to normalize the conversation around divorce.
Through Olivia’s story, listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges of divorce, the importance of having a support system, and the impact of creating specialized resources to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and support.
Notable Quotes:
- Olivia Howell [07:32]: "I think it was me stepping into my power, which really kind of was the impetus."
- Olivia Howell [25:34]: "Why is there not a divorce registry?"
- Olivia Howell [30:31]: "So you can send that registry to family and friends."
- Olivia Howell [33:30]: "So you're like the yellow pages of divorce."
- Olivia Howell [37:26]: "We're the first divorce registry and also divorce platform with experts."
- Olivia Howell [38:25]: "I will find you the resources you need."
- Olivia Howell [50:21]: "The most dangerous time for a woman is when she leaves her marriage."
This summary encapsulates the core discussions, insights, and emotional undertones of the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to it.