December 8, 2024

KnowTheZodiac : Astrology Reinvented Digitally

KnowTheZodiac | Astrology Meets Wellness | Cultural Empowerment

KnowTheZodiac: Astrology Meets Wellness and Cultural Empowerment

Introduction

On this episode of the Founder Spotlight Podcast, Vatsa welcomes Dossé-Via Trenou, the visionary founder of KnowTheZodiac (KTZ). Dossé-Via shares the story behind her groundbreaking astrology and wellness platform, which blends ancient astrological wisdom with modern innovation to empower individuals and foster cultural resonance.

Astrology has long intrigued humanity, but as society evolves, so does the way we engage with this ancient practice. Dossé-Via is transforming astrology from a generalized tool of self-awareness into an intentional wellness resource for personal and collective growth. Let’s dive into her inspiring journey and the evolution of KnowTheZodiac.

Origin Story

The seeds for KnowTheZodiac were planted early in Dossé-Via’s childhood. Growing up, she was introduced to astrology by her father, an engineer and astrology enthusiast. She recalls the profound experience of reading her birth chart at just 10 years old, describing how it felt like a mirror to her soul. “I felt so seen by the readings,” she shared.

What began as personal curiosity soon turned into a passion project. As a college freshman, Dossé-Via started a blog called Scorpion Speak, which focused on facts and traits about her zodiac sign, Scorpio. The blog resonated with readers, garnering a massive following, including pop star Katy Perry, a fellow Scorpio. This organic success inspired Dossé-Via to launch KnowTheZodiac, creating dedicated social media pages for all 12 zodiac signs and building a global community of over 1 million followers.

“Thanks to my inner child following her passions, I now have this amazing brand, business, and app.”

Challenges & Breakthroughs

Transitioning from a passion project to a structured business came with its challenges. For Dossé-Via, maintaining the authenticity and intimacy her community cherished while scaling the brand was a key focus. “Growing the right team of astrologers and social media managers was essential to keeping our brand voice and the genuine love for community alive,” she shared.

Another challenge was funding. Dossé-Via bootstrapped KnowTheZodiac for a decade, only recently stepping into the fundraising world. This transition required balancing her personal independence with purposeful collaborations. In December 2023, KnowTheZodiac was incorporated as a Delaware C-corp, marking its official transformation into a startup—an exciting milestone for Dossé-Via and her team.

“Learning how to balance my independence with purposeful collaboration has been a positive challenge for me.”

Product & Market Insights

KnowTheZodiac’s core offering lies in its commitment to making astrology a culturally resonant wellness tool. The upcoming relaunch of the KnowTheZodiac app in January 2025 is a standout feature, poised to revolutionize astrology as we know it. The app provides users access to an extensive database of tens of thousands of horoscopes, personalized birth charts, and insights that merge ancient traditions with modern perspectives.

  • Modern technology meets ancient wisdom: The app integrates Western astrology with African, Egyptian, and Yoruba spirituality.
  • Cultural representation: As one of the only Black women astrologers with an app on both iOS and Android, Dossé-Via champions inclusivity and diversity in the astrology space.
  • AI-powered personalization: KnowTheZodiac is leveraging AI to generate insightful, culturally rich horoscopes unique to their brand voice.

With the astrology industry projected to reach $22 billion by 2031, KnowTheZodiac is uniquely positioned to stand out with its holistic, depth-driven approach.

Leadership & Company Culture

Dossé-Via attributes much of KnowTheZodiac’s success to her team, which includes diverse astrologers and spiritual experts from Indian, Colombian, and Indigenous backgrounds. This inclusivity informs the culturally rich and spiritually profound content that KnowTheZodiac delivers.

Her leadership style emphasizes preserving the intimacy and authenticity that her audience values. “The biggest thing was to keep the intimacy that the community receives from me, even as we grow,” she explained. By cultivating a compassionate team culture and fostering innovation, she ensures that creativity and authenticity remain at the heart of the brand.

Lessons & Advice

When asked what advice she would offer to other founders, Dossé-Via emphasized the importance of aligning passion with purpose. “Astrology has always been a tool for transformation and collective ascension,” she said. For aspiring entrepreneurs, her top tips include:

  • Start with authenticity: Staying true to your mission and values will help attract a loyal and engaged community.
  • Build meaningful connections: Purposeful collaborations can amplify impact and open doors to new opportunities.
  • Embrace challenges: Every obstacle is an opportunity to grow, innovate, and refine your approach.
  • Balance vision and practicality: Keep your ultimate goals in mind while focusing on realistic, actionable steps.

Future Vision

The future of KnowTheZodiac is nothing short of inspiring. Dossé-Via envisions it as a unifying tool that revolutionizes how people approach astrology. “I want the app to be the first thing people pull out at a dinner party to explore their chart,” she said. She aims to make astrology interactive, empowering users to co-create their narratives rather than passively consume information.

KnowTheZodiac also seeks to dispel myths and stereotypes surrounding astrology, emphasizing its historical significance and spiritual depth. By bridging ancient traditions with modern technology, the platform aspires to foster a renaissance of spirituality and collective enlightenment.

“The KTZ app is a tool to help the collective really become the best humans we can be.”

Conclusion

Dossé-Via Trenou is a trailblazer bringing astrology into the modern era while honoring its ancient roots. Her journey from a curious 10-year-old exploring her birth chart to the founder of a global astrology and wellness platform is a testament to the power of passion and purpose. With its culturally resonant content, innovative technology, and transformative mission, KnowTheZodiac is redefining astrology as a tool for wellness and collective growth.

To dive deeper into Dossé-Via’s story and hear more about the KnowTheZodiac app’s exciting future, be sure to check out the full episode of the Founder Spotlight Podcast.

Guest

Startup Founder
Dossé-Via Trenou

Building KnowTheZodiac

Hosted by
Vatsa Vishesh
Venture Builder | Ex Wall St | Growth Advisor 🚀

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