Shan-Lyn Ma

Shan-Lyn Ma is the CEO and Co-Founder of Zola, a wedding planning and registry platform that has transformed the wedding experience since its launch in 2013. Under her leadership, Zola has become a leading name in the industry, helping over 2 million couples plan their weddings and manage their registries, with the company currently valued at over $600 million.23

Background and Career

Shan-Lyn Ma was born in Singapore and moved to Australia at the age of four. She developed an early interest in entrepreneurship, inspired by figures like Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang. Ma holds a Bachelor of Commerce with First Class Honours from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and an MBA from Stanford University.23

Before founding Zola, she served as the Chief Product Officer at Chloe + Isabel and was the first Product Lead at Gilt Groupe, where she played a crucial role in defining the user experience and launching mobile applications.123 Her experience in product management and marketing extends back to her roles at Yahoo!, where she focused on search marketing and mobile initiatives.1

Zola's Mission and Impact

Zola was established to address the challenges couples face in wedding planning and registry processes, which Ma found outdated and cumbersome. The platform combines modern technology with a customer-centric approach, offering tools like customizable wedding websites, checklists, and a comprehensive registry.23

Shan-Lyn Ma's vision for Zola emphasizes not just the logistical aspects of wedding planning but also the emotional journey couples undertake, positioning Zola as a supportive partner throughout the entire process.24