AfriBlocks Network
Celeste Tsai, a London-based digital product designer with over a decade of experience, is making waves in the tech and design industry. Having worked extensively in graphic design, UI/UX, and branding, she has built a reputation for delivering aesthetically appealing and functional solutions. Her versatile skill set has thrived in dynamic startup environments, and now, through her company SIIXX, Celeste serves a global clientele. Her latest endeavor, however, is particularly personal and ambitious: she’s developing Grieft, an app designed to provide AI-powered companionship and grief support for those dealing with loss.
Addressing the Silence Around Grief
For Celeste, the motivation to create Grieft is deeply rooted in her own experiences and observations of those close to her. “In recent years, many of my friends and family, including myself, have experienced difficult times in our lives,” she reflects. “When our loved ones lose something or someone important, we often don’t know how to provide timely support, leaving us feeling helpless.”
Celeste noticed that people going through grief often feel isolated and unsupported. Even when surrounded by family and friends, there can be a lack of understanding or the right words to offer comfort. This was the driving force behind her decision to create Grieft, a digital tool designed to serve as a supportive companion during the grieving process.
“Grief is still a topic we don’t actively surface, even though it has a huge impact on mental wellness. I wanted to reflect on how my skills could make a difference, and that’s how Grieft came to life. I envision it as a supportive friend who can be there when needed, providing strength throughout your journey,” Celeste explains.
Exploring AI Companionship
What excites Celeste most about building Grieft is the opportunity to explore the intersection of technology and human emotion, specifically through the use of AI. The app goes beyond just matching users with professional help or providing educational resources—it aims to create a compassionate and responsive AI companion.
“I’m a firm believer that AI is here to make human lives easier and better,” Celeste says. “With the privilege of building a digital product at this time, we get to explore the potential of AI companionship and how it can better help with our lives, especially during moments when accessing professional support isn’t immediately possible.”
The idea of AI companionship is particularly important in the context of grief, as it bridges the gap between immediate emotional needs and long-term healing. Celeste hopes that Grieft can be a source of comfort, offering empathy and understanding in a way that feels personal and attentive, even when human support might not be readily available.
Challenges in Building the Team
Building Grieft has not been without its challenges, particularly when it comes to team dynamics and navigating an industry Celeste wasn’t entirely familiar with. Currently, the team consists of only two members, both of whom are working tightly together. However, Celeste acknowledges the limitations of their experience when it comes to mental health and AI.
“One of our challenges is that our work experience doesn’t fully relate to the mental health industry,” she admits. “We also know that we’ll need an AI engineer to help train the model once we have our first MVP (Minimum Viable Product). It’s not easy to ‘cold start’ in an industry that’s not your 100% profession, nor is it easy to find the right person who shares the same vision for the product.”
Despite these obstacles, Celeste remains optimistic and excited about expanding the team when the time is right. “We’re thrilled to expand once we believe the product and team are ready for new voices to chime in,” she adds. The careful approach to scaling ensures that Grieft stays true to its mission and continues to be built with the compassion and understanding that it promises to deliver.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Founders
When asked what advice she would offer to aspiring founders, Celeste’s response is grounded in the realities of starting a business. “As someone just starting as a founder, I don’t have tips for success yet,” she humbly admits. However, she emphasizes the importance of qualities that many overlook in the startup world: consistency, resilience, and hard work.
“Anyone can start something. You simply need to embody qualities that are often rare: unwavering consistency, remarkable resilience, and a willingness to outwork everyone else in pursuit of your goals, year after year. And above all, never give up. If you fall down seven times, get up eight.”
These words reflect Celeste’s own journey, one marked by persistence, learning, and an unrelenting passion for the impact she hopes to make with Grieft. Her advice is a reminder that the startup world is not just about the glamour of success but about the determination to keep pushing forward, even when the path is difficult.
The Future of Grieft
As Grieft continues to evolve, Celeste remains focused on creating a product that genuinely helps those in need. By leveraging AI, she hopes to provide users with a tool that offers both practical support and emotional understanding. As more people recognize the importance of mental health and emotional well-being, tools like Grieft have the potential to fill a critical gap in the way society approaches grief.
Celeste’s journey as a digital product designer and startup founder is a testament to the power of combining technical expertise with human empathy. Through Grieft, she is working to redefine how people experience grief, offering them not just a tool, but a companion for the journey.
Connect with Celeste and Stay Updated
For those interested in following Celeste’s work or learning more about Grieft, you can connect with Celeste on LinkedIn or visit her profile. Keep an eye on her progress as she continues to push the boundaries of technology and emotional support.
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