R.M. Easterly: Turning Personal Struggles into THYIM’s Mission to Help Communities Thrive

Founder of
THYIM
R.M. Easterly, a seasoned entrepreneur with 11 businesses and seven successful exits, founded THYIM to tackle inefficiencies in accessing everyday assistance. Inspired by her own experience of being stranded on a highway, R.M. built THYIM as a gig marketplace focused on providing help within 15 minutes, fostering community connections, and creating opportunities for marginalized individuals. In this interview, R.M. shares how her personal challenges shaped THYIM’s mission and the unique approach that sets it apart in the gig economy.
Interview
Nov 28, 2024
Hi R.M., building a company often starts with a personal story. What inspired you to create THYIM?

THYIM was born out of my own experience with frustration and inefficiency. I’ll never forget the day I was stranded on a busy highway for five hours, waiting for a roadside company to deliver fuel. That experience not only left me feeling helpless but also highlighted a glaring issue: people frequently waste valuable time and money trying to get help with routine tasks, often with little success.

Having spent over five years working for gig marketplace companies and the very roadside service that left me stranded, I understood the gaps in these systems firsthand. I saw how many individuals end up injured or frustrated, attempting to do tasks themselves because help isn’t accessible or affordable. I knew there had to be a better way.

THYIM was created to provide that solution. It’s not just about getting things done—it’s about making a meaningful social impact. We focus on connecting communities, offering reliable, cost-effective help, and providing opportunities for marginalized individuals to earn fair wages while assisting others.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Our startup team includes several social media influencers, myself included, who used their personal platforms to spread the word about THYIM. By leveraging our networks, we were able to generate awareness and connect with people who shared our vision for more accessible and timely assistance.

Can you tell us about the team behind THYIM?

The THYIM team has known each other for almost two years. Everyone believed in the company when it was originally pitched to them with just a PowerPoint presentation. We all understand how massive the problem is we’re solving because we are everyday people and we’ve all been in situations and needed help.
We bring a history of successful ventures, a wealth of experience, innovation, and leadership, driving the company towards greater achievements and success. This company emerged from a genuine need based on real-world experiences, allowing us to innately understand the significant problem we're solving.

What was the biggest risk you took in building your startup?

The biggest risk I took was starting THYIM in the first place. Turning an idea into a company is exhilarating but also nerve racking. I had to put my vision out into the world and hope that others would not only see it but also believe in it enough to help me build it. It was a leap of faith that required vulnerability and courage, but it’s one I’ll never regret.

What makes THYIM different from other solutions?

What sets THYIM apart is our focus on speed, transparency, and simplicity. We ensure that users receive assistance within 15 minutes or less, an unmatched service speed in the marketplace. Unlike other solutions, we eliminate the need for subscriptions, memberships, or complicated quotes and appointments.

Our pricing is clear and upfront, with no hidden costs or fees, and we’re committed to exceptional customer service. These elements combine to create a seamless, hassle-free experience for users, making THYIM a straightforward and economical choice for getting help when it’s needed most.

Have you raised funds from family and friends?

Yes, the first individuals to invest in THYIM were my friends and their family members. Asking them to put their money behind my idea was both humbling and anxiety producing. Even though I believed in what I was building, it’s never easy to ask loved ones to take that kind of risk. Fortunately, everyone I approached said yes, and their support gave me the foundation to bring THYIM to life.

What is the ultimate vision for THYIM? What resources or support are needed to bring this vision to life?

Funding and marketing are the main resources needed to help with continued growth. THYIM aims to make a significant social impact by fostering community connections and providing affordable, timely assistance to those in need. Supporting marginalized individuals, especially those affected by race, gender, unemployment, underemployment, disability, veteran status, age, or single parenthood, by offering opportunities to earn good wages while helping others. 

THYIM

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