Building Lasting Solutions: The Journey of Prabha Mattappally

Let me introduce you to Prabha Mattappally, a remarkable individual who knows how to build things that last. Whether it’s a business, a daily habit, or a new way of showing up in midlife, she brings clarity, care, and a wealth of knowledge to everything she does.

Who is Prabha Mattappally?

Prabha is an entrepreneur, wellness enthusiast, and operations consultant. She has spent over 20 years helping small businesses and non-profits turn vision into action. She possesses the rare ability to see the big picture and map out how to achieve it.

A few years ago, she took that same systems-oriented mindset and applied it to her own life. Tired of using her phone flashlight to read menus in dim restaurants, she created Menu Reader, a mobile app designed to help people discreetly read menus and documents in low-light settings. This innovative solution quickly became the number one app in Apple’s Food and Drink category.

The Journey Toward Longevity

Like many women in midlife, Prabha began to reflect on her health more deeply. What does it take to feel well consistently? This reflection led to the launch of her blog, Journey Toward Longevity, in 2025. The blog explores small, everyday habits that support long-term health, strength, and resilience.

Most recently, she co-founded a premium wellness brand aimed at health-conscious women navigating midlife. Their first product is set to launch in early 2026, and it’s one to watch.

Prabha is committed to grounding her work in real science. She is currently completing McMaster University’s Certificate of Professional Learning in Nutrition, Health, and Wellness.

She is thoughtful, creative, and full of heart. Everything she builds is rooted in the belief that when we create systems that truly support us, real growth becomes possible.

Q&A with Prabha

Let's dive into the questions and answers with Prabha.

What sparked the idea for Menu Reader?

"My girlfriends and I were out for a nice dinner. The restaurant was small and dimly lit. When we all turned on our phone lights to read the menu, our table looked like a search and rescue party! We laughed about how awkward and intrusive phone lights are for reading a menu. We agreed there had to be something better. That night, I searched the app store but found nothing. Even though I had no prior experience in app development, I decided to go for it—certain we weren’t the only ones in need of a solution."

What was the biggest surprise when it hit number one?

"Honestly, how quickly it happened. Within just weeks of launch, Menu Reader was at the top of the App Store in its category. It validated that providing a simple solution to a common challenge can resonate with a lot of people!"

What’s your favorite part of building something from scratch?

"As a Sagittarius, I think my optimism and desire for independence lead me to want to watch an idea take shape, evolve, and finally become something real in the world."

What are you most proud of in your business journey?

"I’m most proud of having the courage to take chances and build something from the ground up—whether it’s been a role, a process, or a business. Sometimes the risk worked out, sometimes it didn’t. But every outcome came with lessons that prepared me for my next challenge. It’s the culmination of 25+ years of lessons that led me to create Menu Reader, launch my Journey Toward Longevity blog, and now build our wellness brand."

What advice would you give to someone starting their own thing in midlife?

"I’m going to first say—what is midlife? Lol! But truly, it’s time we reframe the age continuum and say that life is a journey. No matter where you are along it, know that it’s never too early or too late. You don’t have to start big, but you do have to start. Most importantly, surround yourself with like-minded people who genuinely want to see you win."

What does “aging well” mean to you?

"It means taking care of my physical body so that it can move without pain. It also means having an abundance of energy to make the most of each day on this earth, and having a circle of people who bring joy, support, and laughter to my life."

What small habit has made a big difference in your wellness?

"Without question, it has been strength training. It has been a game-changer for my energy, posture, and overall confidence."

What’s one wellness trend you love and one you ignore?

"I love the focus on protein for women; it’s crucial for well-being, especially as we age. I ignore extreme detoxes or 'quick fixes'—longevity is about consistency, not extremes or hacks."

What’s something you’re still figuring out when it comes to your health?

"I’m still figuring out if it will ever get easier! Will I ever be able to stop doing all the things, all the time? Pretty sure I already know the answer to that one ;)"

Where do your best ideas usually come from?

"It’s tough to nail down just one ‘place’. They come from conversations, reading, and even doom scrolling. A good friend once told me, 'The best thing you can do is keep an open mind,' and I’ve found that to be true—you need to create space for ideas to land."

How do you handle days when motivation just isn’t there?

"Great question! I actually wrote a post about this back in March called 'Stick to the Plan, Not Your Mood.' Motivation is fleeting, but discipline and routines will carry you through. Whether it’s exercising, eating well, or hitting my protein goals, I’ve built habits so ingrained they feel as automatic as brushing my teeth. That said, sometimes motivation pulls me in the wrong direction. When it does, I just hit reset the next day and get back on track."

What does “success” mean to you right now?

"Right now, success feels deeply personal. It’s holding on to my strength—not losing muscle as I age. With my blog, success is every new post I publish and every person it reaches. With our wellness brand, it’s every step forward, no matter how small. I’ve learned that small wins—just like small healthy habits—add up over time, and they’re worth celebrating."

How do you organize your week when you’re juggling multiple projects?

"I’ve always been organized, which is surprising for a Sagittarius! I rely on clear priorities, time blocking, and most importantly, knowing when to say no."

What’s a piece of advice you come back to often?

"Small healthy habits, done consistently, lead to big changes over time. It’s not glamorous, but it works!"

Conclusion

Prabha Mattappally's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. Her commitment to wellness and helping others navigate midlife is inspiring. As she continues to build her brand and share her insights, we can all learn from her approach to health and success.

Dive a little further and check out these links:

Menu Reader

Instagram

Journey Towards Longevity