Feminist Founder: Kalista Zackhariyas of Sparkseeker
Photo by @richardramosstudio
Kalista Zackhariyas is the feminist founder behind the new social app, Sparkseeker. The app’s transformative platform harnesses the power of community to support personal growth and inspire action.
“My passion to create Sparkseeker was awakened by my experiences of abuse, homelessness and isolation in my formative years. Upon overcoming the challenges of my life experiences, my belief that each of us have a responsibility to show up for ourselves and our communities was strengthened. These values inspired me to find a solution that could harness the power of online community to create global change. Sparkseeker is the realization of this dream.” – Kalista Zackhariyas
Through her 20 years of experience, Kalista has explored ways to create meaningful change. When approaching the concept of Sparkseeker she asked herself, “What if there was an app that made it simple for people to come together and effortlessly inspire change?” In an era where community drives the advancement of society, Sparkseeker has the potential to realize a more humane future.
In light of Sparkseeker’s crowdfund campaign launch, Feminist caught up with Kalista for the full story behind this new socially good app and why we need it now.
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
Kalista Zackhariyas (KZ): My passion to create Sparkseeker was awakened by my experiences of abuse, homelessness and isolation in my formative years. I remember feeling like the solutions were out there somewhere but out of my reach or control-- help was hard to find. Even those who were well-intentioned were too consumed with the challenges of their own life to help. Upon overcoming the challenges of my life experiences, my belief that each of us have a responsibility to show up for ourselves and our communities was strengthened. These values inspired me to find a solution that could harness the power of online community to create global change. Sparkseeker is the realization of this dream.
Q: How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?
KZ: Sparkseeker started with questions: What if there was an app that made it simple for people to come together and effortlessly inspire change? What if we harnessed responsible technology practices to create inclusive, caring communities, united to create solutions and get back in touch with our humanity? Imagine our collective impact if we reclaimed our time online to co-create the world we wish to experience.
We knew a real solution meant that we needed to re-think every aspect of how we engage with online platforms, so that is what we did. After 2 years of research, 3+ years of development, and the creation of an executive team of creative and experienced leaders spanning industries, we have been able to bring to market a solution that delivers positive impact for both people and the planet.
Q: What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
KZ: Getting out and speaking with people and businesses has been the most effective way of raising awareness for Sparkseeker. The average person already spends almost 3 hours a day scrolling online with no meaningful gain, this presents a real opportunity to better leverage technology to serve humanity. People are hungry for an app like Sparkseeker, where there are no users, only “Seekers.” We’ve created buzz around the app and its potential to change the world, and we’re just getting started. We have a Crowdfunding campaign launching soon to support the public release of Sparkseeker.
Q: What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
KZ: Breaking into the tech industry as a minority woman with a successful leadership background but no tech experience has been my biggest challenge. To overcome this, I have recruited and leaned on top experts to fill my team—from executive leadership, to development, branding, and more. It takes a village.
The past five years of building and leading Sparkseeker has allowed me to engage and learn more about the technology space, and I am confident in our ability to bring Sparkseeker to market.
Q: What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
KZ: My best advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs is to take the time to figure out what inspires them. Often times what they are struggling through is what they here to break through and only they will have a unique approach to a solution or industry that can only be known by understanding the wisdom of their experiences. Tap into that! Then, have the courage to show up, make mistakes, learn, ask for help and create. We have the intrinsic power to make change for both the world and ourselves. Don’t allow anyone to make you believe otherwise.
Q: Who is your business role model? Why?
KZ: My business role model is entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Angel Investor/Advisor Anjula Acharia. She is someone I can see a lot of myself in. I have never quite fit in one box, and I once read that she felt the same way. She is someone I have been following for a while, and she is a disrupter – in a great way. She has an impeccable eye for talent, is both a tech mogul and a pop culture pioneer, an individual who has made great contributions to drive diversity in the mainstream world. She is incredibly inspiring, a badass and rockstar!
Q: What do you have planned for the next six months?
KZ: The next six months will be busy and exciting for Sparkseeker! We are currently in beta, launching our crowdfunding campaign, and launching the app this summer. Our team is gearing up for a lot of work, but we couldn’t be more thrilled.
Q: AND FINALLY, What does being a feminist mean to you??
KZ: To me, being a feminist means that all of my efforts to break through existing barriers today will help deconstruct gender roles and normalize equal pay, opportunity, and freedoms for future generations of inspiring women.
support kalista by joining the official Sparkseeker crowdfund
Now live on Indiegogo! Sparkseeker has been founder-funded to date, although, to reach the world will need the support of the community. Share with friends or give if you can.
