Mia Ryan is the founder and creative force behind Howdy (IG: @howdy.global), a unique dating app designed to bridge the gap for those seeking genuine connections in rural Australia. At just 22, Mia launched Howdy to address the unique challenges of dating in the bush, where small-town dynamics and limited dating pools can make it tough to find a meaningful relationship. Raised on a farm herself, Mia understands firsthand the demands of agricultural life and the desire to connect with someone who truly understands rural values and lifestyle.

Mia’s journey began with her own frustrations with mainstream dating apps, which often focus on quantity over quality, catering poorly to rural communities. Driven to create a solution, she developed Howdy, an app that prioritises genuine connection and community. With thoughtful features like ‘I am a farmer’ and ‘I’m looking for a farmer’ options and a small subscription fee, Howdy has already built a reputation for attracting sincere users committed to real relationships. Since its launch, Howdy has grown rapidly, especially among women, and is already fostering long-distance romances across the country—including Mia’s own budding relationship with a farmer from Western Australia. Through Howdy, Mia is reshaping the rural dating experience, giving Australians in agriculture a place to connect and build lasting relationships on their terms.