Meet Nolie MacDonald

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nolie MacDonald. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Nolie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My journey to founding VRenity began with my own healing, where I discovered the transformative power of mindset and understanding emotional triggers. Along the way, I realized how deeply energy is contagious—our thoughts and actions ripple outward, influencing not only ourselves but those around us. This awareness underscored the importance of proactively aligning our thoughts and behaviors with our highest selves. VRenity was born from this mission, offering a virtual oasis that provides individuals with a new way to relax, recharge, and educate themselves on their emotional triggers while learning healthy methods to combat stress. Through innovative experiences like 8D sound therapy, cymatics, virtual horseback riding, and teleport locations designed for relaxation, VRenity supports the pillars of mind, body, and emotional intelligence (EQ). Our AI companions, trained in the RULER method (Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions), offer encouragement and support, helping users navigate difficult moments. With a focus on promoting well-being, VRenity is bringing VRenity Rooms to hospitals, fire departments, schools, and other high-stress environments, creating accessible spaces for proactive self-care and emotional growth.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a tech nerd and artist at heart, driven by a passion for self-improvement and helping others find the tools to thrive. I’ve always been inspired by nature, but I know not everyone has the luxury of taking a peaceful walk outdoors. At the same time, therapy can be costly, stigmatized, or out of reach for many due to a shortage of resources.

This inspired me to create VRenity, a virtual reality platform that combines the serenity of nature with innovative tools for emotional well-being. It’s designed to provide accessible moments of calm, self-reflection, and growth for anyone, anywhere.

What makes VRenity special is its ability to blend immersive, nature-inspired environments with practical support, empowering individuals to help themselves in ways that feel meaningful and transformative. It’s a reflection of my belief that technology, art, and compassion can come together to create lasting change.

For me, VRenity isn’t just a platform—it’s a mission to make wellness accessible to everyone.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: maintaining a positive mental attitude, a deep curiosity for learning, and surrounding myself with like-minded people.

A positive mental attitude has been essential, rooted in the understanding that while we can’t control everything, we can control how we think and respond. By replacing negative self-talk with constructive inner dialogue, I’ve learned to view challenges as opportunities to learn and adapt. This mindset has allowed me to turn setbacks into lessons and stay focused on moving forward.

A deep curiosity for learning has driven my ability to explore new ideas and adapt to change. Whether diving into technology, creative pursuits, or understanding human behavior, I’ve embraced every opportunity to expand my knowledge. Staying curious and open to new experiences has been invaluable in navigating my journey.

Lastly, surrounding myself with like-minded individuals has made a significant difference. The people we spend time with shape our perspective and drive. Being part of a community that shares my values and ambitions has provided the encouragement and support needed to stay motivated and focused.

For those starting out, focus on reframing challenges as opportunities, staying curious about the world around you, and building connections with people who inspire and uplift you. These practices will serve as a strong foundation for any path you choose to follow.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
As VRenity moves forward, ideal partners and collaborators are those who share our vision of using innovation to make emotional well-being accessible and impactful. We’re looking for individuals and organizations who are aligned with our core values and can bring expertise, resources, or shared passion to the table.

Corporate Partners: Companies that prioritize workplace wellness and are committed to fostering a healthier, more balanced work environment for their employees. These organizations understand the value of investing in innovative solutions to reduce stress and burnout.

Healthcare Providers: Clinics, hospitals, and wellness centers seeking to integrate cutting-edge technology into their mental health and recovery programs. Collaborators in this space can help expand VRenity’s impact by bringing our solutions to those who need them most.

Therapists and Life Coaches: Professionals interested in leveraging VR as a supplemental tool in their practice, helping clients build emotional resilience and self-awareness through immersive, accessible experiences.

Technology Innovators: Developers, AI specialists, and virtual reality experts who can contribute to refining and expanding VRenity’s platform with new features and enhanced functionality.

Investors and Funders: Visionaries who believe in the transformative potential of VR for wellness and want to support our mission to bring these solutions to a global audience.

Educational Institutions: Schools and universities interested in using VR to help students manage stress and develop emotional intelligence.

Community and Nonprofit Organizations: Groups focused on mental wellness, particularly those serving underserved populations, to ensure VRenity’s accessibility to diverse communities.

We’re seeking collaborators who are not just looking for a business opportunity but are genuinely passionate about making a positive impact. Together, we can amplify VRenity’s mission to redefine wellness through technology, creativity, and compassion.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
VRenity Inc

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move