INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
I feel like it’s the right time to share my story with you. I’m not sure how you’ll react, but I want you to know I’m doing this because I believe we can create real and lasting change for all people, except billionaires.
I want to introduce you to muzei.io, a social media platform I’ve been building for artists and small businesses. It’s rooted in values that mean a lot to me. Most major social media platforms are owned and controlled by the elite. muzei.io is my attempt to build something different. Something that lifts up the voices in our communities instead of rewarding hate or empty engagement.
I built almost the entire app myself. I did use AI for a few smaller parts, but the project is very much my own work. It’s not finished yet, but I’m proud of what I’ve created so far.
What the platform does:
muzei.io is a space where people can share their creations, promote their work, and talk about ideas.
It currently includes:
A homepage for art, products, and videos
A map that shows small businesses, public art, and events including protests
A music library
A discussion board for open conversation
Why I’m doing this:
I want to help unite the working class by making it easier to support local creators and organizers. Most social media platforms are owned by people who have the power to suppress important conversations. We’ve seen it with how Pro-Palestinian voices are silenced on Instagram.
The elite maintain control by shaping what we see. They slowly push us toward their products by making them more visible and easier to access. If people had the same level of access to local and independent options, I believe they would choose to support those instead.
Many people also never hear about protests or organizing efforts unless they are already deeply connected. I want to fix that. I want this platform to help community leaders share events, connect with each other, and build power. I want it to be a space that can't be co-opted by the people at the top.
I see this platform as a tool for resistance. Something people can trust. Something that helps inform, connect, and mobilize for real change.
About me:
My name is Dima Gapeev. I’m a first-generation Russian American. I speak Russian and English fluently and I’m proficient in Spanish. I grew up in Baltimore, went to Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, and earned my Physics degree from UMBC. Right now, I’m an unemployed oil painter, planning to become a teacher. I used to attend the W.E.B. Du Bois Abolition School in Philadelphia on weekends, but I had to stop when I could no longer afford the gas.
I’ve experienced both Baltimore City and Baltimore County, and I’ve seen the sharp divide between poverty and privilege. I exist in both of those worlds. I’ve struggled for a long time, and I’m willing to keep struggling if it means I can help create something better.
What I’m trying to say is that I still believe. I still believe we can make a difference. I may not be Zohran Mamdani, but I am Dima. And I believe my story and my perspective can help guide the next generation toward a future of real economic equality.
How you can participate:
This platform is designed for well reasoned community leaders to be able to guide discourse with their constituents, essentially a way for DSA members for example to discuss matters of importance with non DSA members that pertain to local and national issues. The best way you can help would be simply by getting the app and sharing it with others. We are basically nothing without a proud userbase. It is currently out on the iOS appstore, but we need a dozen beta testers to be able to publish it on android play store. If you have an android and would like to participate, navigate to www.muzei.io and fill out the form that the “Android Beta Testing” button takes you to.
With love and hope,
Dima