Cindy Abel, an Atlanta entrepreneur, believes that social media platforms are not designed with the well-being of users in mind, particularly when it comes to teenage girls.
She points out that these platforms often create a detrimental cycle characterized by comparison, perfectionism, and curated content that undermines self-worth. Abel remarked, “Many tell us they feel worse after using these apps than before.”
In response to this issue, Abel founded Vescent, a mentor-led digital community tailored specifically for young women and teenage girls. The platform allows users to connect based on shared interests and experiences.
The name Vescent takes inspiration from the word “effervescent”, reflecting its mission to foster a positive community experience focused on skill-building and mentorship.
Through the app, users gain access to a network of trained and qualified female mentors who can provide guidance based on age-appropriate conversations. Abel emphasizes that the content delivered through the platform is evidence-based, developed collaboratively with Resiliency Technologies, a partner based in San Diego.
This collaboration enables Vescent to provide peer-focused mental wellness content rooted in recognized best practices for mental health. The Sharpen platform, a key part of this initiative, features resiliency toolkits aimed to reduce stigma around mental health and enhance literacy on the subject.
Abel noted, “This ensures that what we deliver, through our mentors and app, is grounded, trusted, and impactful.” An essential component of Vescent is its commitment to centering youth voices in the development of the platform, ensuring that app features and content resonate with the real lives of teenagers.
Vescent operates on a B2B2C model, directly collaborating with schools and organizations focused on teenagers. During its early days, the platform launched a pilot program with Mount Vernon School in Atlanta as part of the school’s Innovation Diplomas (ID) initiative. This four-year program, which is invitation-only, is designed for high school students who think like entrepreneurs and engage like consultants.
Michele Koch, Chief Brand Officer at Mount Vernon School, shared that the program not only helped Vescent in its initial development, but also allowed students to provide essential feedback on how to enhance the platform’s mental health content.
Ideas generated by students included the introduction of audio reflections, guided journaling prompts, and mood-driven design themes that adapt based on users’ feelings.
Koch highlighted, “These are not theoretical classroom projects. iD students work directly with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and startups like ours to tackle real-world problems. Their professionalism, creative confidence, and capacity for systems thinking rival that of junior analysts or design strategists.”
Beyond working with educational institutions, Vescent is also available for families seeking direct access through a subscription model. Currently in its pilot phase, the platform is free, with plans to implement a tiered pricing model that prioritizes accessibility and affordability in the future.
Additionally, Vescent is set to launch a program in collaboration with the FCS Innovation Academy in Alpharetta. Abel shared that the startup has already attracted early investment from a “mission-aligned” angel investor.
Abel explained, “Our approach has been intentional, focused on values-aligned capital that supports sustainable growth.” The team is also considering grants and strategic partnerships with organizations dedicated to youth mental health, education, and workforce development. Preparations for a broader fundraising initiative are underway, with a commitment to working with investors who recognize the urgent need to support teen mental health and promote digital well-being.
image source from：https://hypepotamus.com/news/vescent-social-app-launches-in-georgia-schools/
