Newsletter // Issue 02

I've had many people reach out since our first newsletter, and I want to thank you each and every one of you. The sentiment behind most of these responses was similar: "I love what you're doing—it sounds amazing. But what exactly is MOTH, and what's the goal?" This is not just a good question—it's the question.

I know some of you are curious about the technical details of MOTH—the products, how it works, and our revenue model. I promise we'll dive into those aspects in an upcoming newsletter.

Today, I want to take a step back and share the heart of MOTH: the reasons behind the movement and the vision that fuels us.

---

The recent election has done more than shape the political landscape; it’s illuminated something much deeper. It has highlighted that we are forgetting a fundamental truth of humanity—that we need one another. We see it in the faces of our neighbors, hear it in conversations, and feel it in the distance that widens between us every day. Trust has become a rare commodity, apathy has taken root, and for many of us, a sense of belonging feels out of reach.

In times like these, it's easy, and oftentimes expected, to withdraw, to believe that the bonds that once held us together have frayed beyond repair. But if history has shown us anything, it’s that community—the simple acts of reaching out, sharing space, and being present—has the power to heal, rebuild, and renew our sense of purpose.

These are the circumstances in which MOTH was born.

MOTH is not just another platform—it’s the start of a conversation. We were born from the belief that true belonging isn’t found in digital noise or shallow interactions, but rather in the warmth of shared experiences, the trust built in local community, and being known, accepted, and loved for who we are.

The loneliness epidemic has profoundly affected our society. So many people in the United States feel like they don't belong in their local community. Because of this, we believe that third places—those community hubs like cafes, bookstores, and local venues—have an essential role to play. They are meant to be more than physical spaces for impersonal transactions; they are where relationships are made, trust is rebuilt, and belonging takes root.

Our vision is lofty but achievable: to create a world where acceptance transcends boundaries, where authenticity is celebrated, and where everyone belongs. We can achieve this vision through a movement that begins with a collective recognition of the world we want to live in: curious, compassionate, authentic, and courageous.

MOTH’s story isn't just my story—it’s your story too. It’s the story of everyone who longs for connection, shares in our mission, and deeply believes that, together, we can make it a reality.

We need one another. In a world that appears to divide us, our shared responsibility is to prioritize community and find our way back to each other. We were meant to show up for our neighbors and share moments that matter.

Know that this movement is not just for you—it’s because of you.

As we step into this journey together, you can expect MOTH to provide stories that inspire you, events that connect you, and spaces that uplift you. MOTH is here to remind you of what truly matters: each other.

You belong here,

Temi Onayemi

Co-Founder & CEO