Starting any kind of business venture can be daunting. However, Marta Nowinska, swapped working on Bay Street for beginning a barter business. As neither Craigslist nor Freecycle provides the trading post features she envisioned, she took it up on herself to pioneer Canada’s first web-swapping site. Suite101 interviews Marta Nowinska about her influences and the challenges she’s faced in starting up an eco-venture.
Suite101: What was your first personal experience with bartering?
Marta Nowinska: As a kid, I had a large stamp collection. They originated from various countries, came in different themes, shapes, colours and sizes. The duplicates, or my not-so-favourite stamps, were always kept on the back pages of my album. They were the ones I was willing to trade. When meeting up with friends, we would often browse through each other’s stamp albums. Whenever an interesting stamp from my friend’s album caught my eye, I would try to trade it for one of the stamps in my unwanted collection. Stamp swapping was so much fun. It enhanced my collection without draining my pocket money.
Suite101: Why did you make SwapSity a web-group as opposed to a Meet-up site where people would meet face to face?
Marta Nowinska: Making SwapSity web-based ensured a broader reach, easy accessibility and swift swapping. The power of the Internet revolutionizes traditional barter by creating more opportunities for win-win exchanges. My vision was to make bartering accessible to Canadians at a click of a button, anytime, anywhere. While online barter is more fruitful, we still appreciate the fun of participating in face-to-face weekend swap events. That's why we also organize swap meets and garage sales for the local community.
Suite101: Currently, you have web-presences in Ontario, BC and Alberta with plans to spread out to other provinces - Are you planning going to the United States or Europe with this plan?
Marta Nowinska: There is a lot of interest in SwapSity’s bartering platform and what it has to offer. However, let’s get Canada swapping first then we will look at other markets.
Suite101: Describe your biggest thrill since starting up SwapSity.
It would probably be our public beta launch. We have received an abundance of interview requests. Everybody wants to talk about SwapSity. It’s fantastic to see the media embrace SwapSity and recognize its potential.
Suite101: Any tips you'd like to share with someone who wants to start a green initiative?
Marta Nowinska: Considering the evident growth of the green economy, I’d expect to see a lot more green businesses coming on the market. Before starting a green initiative, it’s critical to have a clear vision, research your green niche, get feedback about your concept from potential customers and be sure you’re working with passionate and talented people on bringing the concept to the market. It has been my experience that building a business from ground up takes more time and money than initially expected. Commitment, passion and hard work are essential ingredients for success. Last but not least, while the idea itself matters, it is the execution that really counts. It’s the people and their ability to execute that makes a business a success.
Suite101: How are you planning to celebrate Earth Day?
Ideally, in the company of nature!
Naomi Szeben - Six-time Editor's Choice Award winner Naomi Szeben puts life into "green and simple living" articles for Suite 101.com. She graduated ...
