The story behind Waverider

Waverider was born from the unwavering bond between two sisters, Carla and Lourica, and their journey through the stormy seas of mental illness.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at just 14, Carla faced over two decades of intense highs, devastating lows, and countless struggles to find balance. She spent years working tirelessly to manage her symptoms and navigate a mental health system that often felt unprepared to support her in a way that was both compassionate and accessible.

Carla’s family watched her navigate these struggles with a sense of helplessness. They searched for tools, resources, and guidance—anything to ease Carla’s path and empower them to be there for her. But the more they looked, the more they found a frustrating lack of supportive tools that truly understood the needs of people living with bipolar disorder, along with the impact on their loved ones.

When the pandemic hit, things grew even harder. Isolation made symptoms sharper, and the uncertainty and distance weighed heavily on everyone. During this difficult time, the sisters realized that if they felt this way, countless others must be facing the same struggles. So, they made a decision: to create something new, something they had both needed for so long.

Together, Carla and Lourica poured their experiences, empathy, and dedication into building Waverider—a platform born out of love, compassion, and firsthand understanding of what it means to live with bipolar disorder. They envisioned a place where the bipolar community could feel truly seen, heard, and supported—a place where people could connect with others who understood their journey and access certified, thoughtful guidance to help them through. Waverider became their labor of love, a bridge to connect people with a community that lifts each other up, every step of the way.