Meet Jazmina Urriola | Founder of Allayya

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jazmina Urriola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jazmina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Allayya was born out of my own personal journey. Around 2017, life felt overwhelming. In just a couple of years, I lost my mom to leukemia, got married, moved from my hometown, Panama City, Panama, to the U.S., and once I got here, found myself unable to work while waiting for my employment authorization. I had always been career-driven, independent, and suddenly, I couldn’t work. That was a huge blow to my identity. I had spent so much of my life defining myself through my career, and now, I was financially dependent on my husband, which was hard to accept.
While I was adjusting to this new reality, my husband and I decided to start a family, and soon after, our son was born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. While I wouldn’t change a thing about him, those early days were full of uncertainty and stress. There was a lot to process. Just as I finally got my work permit and was ready to dive back into my career as a biotechnologist, COVID hit, and the job market came to a halt. I found myself still at home, figuring out motherhood, and still adjusting to a new country and culture.
I felt like I wasn’t enough—wasn’t enough of a partner because I wasn’t working, and wasn’t enough of a mother because I couldn’t financially support my son’s needs. It was painful, and I realized I needed help.
Therapy was a game-changer for me, but when my therapist recommended a mental wellness app to complement my work at sessions, I realized none of the options available truly resonated with me as a woman. None spoke to my experiences. So, I did what any problem-solver would do: I decided to create it myself.
Through this journey, I’ve not only built Allayya, but I’ve also rebuilt myself. And I’ve also connected with so many women who share similar struggles—feeling pulled in a million directions, craving relief, and needing to feel seen. That’s why Allayya exists: to give women a space where they can access—right at their fingertips—tools and insights from experts who truly understand the challenges women deal with. It’s all about helping women navigate life’s challenges with more ease and feel more like themselves along the way.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Allayya, is a wellness startup dedicated to helping women stress less, cope better, and feel more like themselves. We’re building a mental wellness app specifically tailored to women—for women, by women. Our app offers audio tools, ranging from quick exercises to in-depth series, all guided by mental health professionals who truly understand the mental and emotional challenges women face. These challenges are shaped by a mix of biological, societal, and cultural factors, which influence how we experience stress and life’s ups and downs. Unlike most mainstream wellness apps, which take a one-size-fits-all approach, we focus on creating tools that reflect women’s unique realities, making our approach more relevant and impactful.
We recently launched a revamped version of our app, featuring a more personalized onboarding process that helps users receive tailored recommendations based on their unique needs. It also has a fresh new look and offers an improved user experience. We’ve introduced a journaling tool, which has been a hit, and—most importantly—we continue to expand our audio library with content that speaks to the specific needs of our users. One of the things that fills me with immense pride is putting these expert-backed tools and insights right at the fingertips of women—making high-quality, accessible mental wellness support available for a daily cost that’s a fraction of a cup of coffee. Collaborating with a team of talented, compassionate female therapists has been a true honor, and their expertise continues to help us grow and evolve.
Building Allayya has not been easy—we’re still growing, and we’ve got a long way to go. But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far is the importance of listening deeply to our audience. Sometimes the feedback we receive can be uncomfortable or challenge our initial ideas, but it’s been a game-changer. Listening to their needs and understanding how our offering fits into their lives—and where we can improve—has shaped Allayya in meaningful ways. Even the smallest details, like the colors of the brand, are influenced by our users. It’s about building with them, not just for them. Staying curious, listening deeply, and asking thoughtful questions is critical. True success comes from making sure we’re solving the real problems our audience faces.
What I want the world to know about Allayya is that, while it was born from my personal experience, I’ve since connected with many women who share similar struggles—the pressure to do it all and the stress that comes with it. I’ve realized that we all want relief, and we want to feel less alone in what we’re going through. If Allayya can help even one person feel more at ease or more connected to themselves, I’ll feel like we’ve made it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
While I wish I could explore Dallas more myself, there are plenty of must-visit spots I’d recommend.
A stroll through downtown Dallas and Klyde Warren Park is a great way to get a feel for the city. Depending on the time of year, the park often has group fitness or wellness classes, which adds to the experience. For art lovers, the Dallas Museum of Art is a fantastic stop, offering a rich cultural experience. For families, the Perot Museum is a must-see, especially for kids. As a biotechnologist myself, it’s one of my favorite spots in Dallas, and the exhibits are amazing for all ages. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, the Dallas Farmers Market is a fun place to explore, with fresh produce, local goods, and food stalls.
For a more peaceful and relaxing experience, the Dallas Arboretum is a beautiful spot, especially in the spring when the gardens are in full bloom. Walking through the Arboretum is meditative, and afterward, I’d recommend grabbing a bite at Havana Café, a small Cuban restaurant nearby that my family loves.
For an afternoon of exploration, Deep Ellum and The Bishop Arts District are fantastic neighborhoods to visit. Both areas are packed with great restaurants, cafés, and unique shops. If you’re interested in experiencing world-class performances, the Dallas Opera is an incredible cultural option.
For dining, there are some standout places to check out. Crown Block at Reunion Tower and Monarch offer stunning views of the city and exquisite food. Other options for a fancy dinner that I love include: Georgie, Mister Charles, Tango Room, Town Hearth, and Maison Chinoise. For shopping, NorthPark Mall is great, but it’s also great for people-watching. If you’re craving brunch, Beverley’s is a wonderful spot.
If you have kids, Allan Shivers Park is a fantastic choice. It’s an inclusive park that’s perfect for children of all abilities, making it a great spot for families.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this to my fellow female entrepreneurs and creators, both here in Dallas and across the globe. I’ve connected with many of them either online or briefly in person, but their support has meant the world to me. These women truly understand how challenging this journey can be, and they’ve encouraged me in ways I never expected. Their willingness to cheer each other on and lift each other up is something I’m deeply grateful for, and it’s a testament to the power of community.

I also must dedicate this to my husband. While he’s not an entrepreneur or business owner himself, he is the epitome of a supportive partner. He trusts me and encourages me, even when I doubt myself. We make a great team, with each of us helping the other carve out time and space to pursue our careers and dreams. His unwavering support has been a key part of my journey.

Website: https://allayya.com

Instagram: @allayyawellness

Image Credits
Ash Gerl Creative
https://www.ashgerlcreative.com/