devious Semikoli

We started Aro for our own families and we want to help yours.

It’s no secret that screen time is one of the biggest issues facing families today. And we’re not just talking about the kids! Joey and I both struggle with this amazing, captivating, infinitely-powerful tool that we call a smartphone.

We knew something had to change. We wanted to be better for our families and we wanted our families to be better.

So we created Aro. Aro leverages the science of habit formation and motivational design to ensure parents and kids don’t miss out on what’s most important by helping reclaim time spent on their phones.

We've seen the benefits in our own families, and now we want you to experience Aro in yours.

Sincerely,
Heath Wilson & Joey Odom

Aro Ambassador

Mary Laird Garrison

Wife | Mom of 3

Charlotte, NC

Mary Laird Garrison
About
Mary Laird

Hi, I'm Mary Laird! My husband Will and I have three daughters: Ann Ryan (8), Frances (5), and Lucy (3), and we live in Charlotte, NC. I love being a mom, sharing wellness tips and tricks, playing tennis, and being with friends. We love our neighborhood and school community, and value the time we get to spend with friends!

Q&A with
Mary Laird

Do you have a moment when you realized your phone was getting in the way of what’s important to you?

Every day, I realize this more and more. Whenever I get to the end of the day feeling distracted and overstimulated, I know the phone is likely the culprit.

What attracted you to Aro?

I really love having a solution to the problem. So, we decide we want to be on our phones less, great. But how do we do that? I also really love that it provides evidence of the benefits of time away from phones. That time is much better spent somewhere else.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever received?

Make your children realize their siblings are their best friends. Remind them over and over again of the gift of a built-in best friend and that those are the people who will be with them 25 years from now.

What’s your favorite book?

I'm hoping Aro will help me better answer this question. I generally enjoy light, easy reads.

What are some of your favorite activities to do when you do put down your phone?

Playing tennis and exercising, being outside with my children, spending time with neighbors, preparing food for my family, chatting with friends, and just enjoying some quiet time.

A woman wakes up in bed. The Aro is in the foregound on a low table.A medium shot of a woman reading in bed. The Aro is on a night stand beside her.

Give yourself some
digital space.

Find better phone-use rhythms so you can focus on a world outside of your phone.