Meet Rene Mondy | Licensed Therapist & Post-Marriage Expert

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

Hi Rene, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It wasn’t one single thought—it was many. Sixteen years ago, I went through my own divorce. I was working full time, going to graduate school part time and trying to hold it together while it felt everything around me was shifting. And as a therapist, I kept meeting women who looked just like me—silently wondering, “What now?”

I created Dear John The Box out of that space. That messy, in-between place where you’re not fully broken, but you don’t yet feel whole. I remember thinking, there has to be another way to let go of what no longer serves us and say goodbye.

So I built it: a love letter in a box. A space to put the photos, the text, with care. Because letting go isn’t just about grief—it’s about growth. Every time someone opens that box, what they’re really saying is, “I’m ready. I’m open. I’m worthy of something new.”

Today, Dear John The Box is a sisterhood of nearly 30,000 women and growing. It’s not just a business—it’s a movement. A place where healing is honored, and hope that our next chapter will be the best one yet.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Dear John The Box is so much more than a brand—it’s where women go when the relationship ends but life keeps going. We offer healing gifts, support tools, community, and rituals that help women release the past and reclaim their joy with intention. Whether it’s our breakup recovery boxes, our signature journal prompts, or our custom anthem kits, everything we do is designed to remind women they are still whole—even if their relationship didn’t last.

What sets us apart is our softness. We don’t rush the healing. We don’t shame the grieving. We create space for women to feel it all—and then choose what to carry forward.

I’m most proud of the way the community has grown. We now have over 30,000 women engaging with us—solo moms, divorced women, newly single professionals, women who are healing quietly and fiercely. Watching strangers become a sisterhood has been the most beautiful part of this journey.

But it wasn’t easy. Starting this as a therapist, while raising kids, and while healing myself— it was tough. But I also knew the women I was serving deserved more. So I listened. I let the mission grow louder than my own fears.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that women don’t need more advice. They need more affirmation. They need to feel seen and supported—especially in the parts of their lives society doesn’t always celebrate.

If there’s one thing I’d want the world to know about Dear John The Box, it’s this: we aren’t about moving on—we’re about moving through. With grace. With truth. And with your crown still on.

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?
Luckily my bestie lives here but if she were from out of town, and was visiting Atlanta for the week, we wouldn’t just be “doing” the city—we’d be absolutely feeling it.

Day 1 would start slow—coffee and conversation at Spiller Park in Ponce City Market. We’d walk the Atlanta BeltLine, stop at the art walls, and talk about what we’re manifesting next. That night, we’d take it up a notch and head to Palo Santo—my absolute favorite rooftop in Midtown. There’s something healing about watching the city lights flicker as you toast to new beginnings with their sweet churros and ice cream dessert in hand that remind me of my home town Miami!

Day 2, we’d nourish our minds with a visit to the High Museum of Art, then grab lunch at Le Bon Nosh—because elegance should feel accessible. That evening, we’d find a quiet corner at Sanctuary in West End, a Black-owned wellness space that feels like soul care in a room.

Day 3 is for movement and music. We’d do a rooftop yoga session, then head to Apache XLR for live music and good vibes. The goal? Release. Laugh. Dance like the past isn’t in the room.

Day 4, we’d take a healing detour to Cascade Springs Nature Preserve which is near my neighborhood —walk in silence, journal, let the water do its work. Then catch dinner at South City Kitchen, where the cornbread tastes like somebody’s grandma still stirs the batter.

Day 5 would be our “luxury in softness” day. Facials at Heyday, and a private sound bath or Reiki session to reset. That night, I’d take her back to Palo Santo, because the way that rooftop feels at night? It deserves a second round.

Days 6 & 7, we’d slow it all the way down. Brunch at Bread & Butterfly, a little vintage shopping in Little Five Points, and a cozy night in, a charcuterie board, and one of my signature “Dear Me” journaling rituals. I believe girls’ trips can be both sacred and fun.

I love Atlanta! And I’d want her to leave feeling like the city showed us both a new part of ourselves.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother. She’s a wonderful source of inspiration and encourages me spiritually.

Website: https://dearjohnthebox.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearjohnbox?igsh=bWs0bWJ1OWtwM2py&utm_source=qr

Twitter: https://x.com/box_dear

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/169t4aD7sa/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
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