Bedfordview residents and business partners, Salvatore Barras (21) and Kyri Ioulianou (18), are making strides in the digital world.
In July, the duo launched MiBrand, an app that aims to make life easier for residents and shoppers alike.
Less that a month after the launch, the team received recognition at the MTN Business App of The Year Awards.
“We won the People’s Choice Award as voted for by members of the public. Although we were gunning for the big one, we are happy and proud that we took home an award less than a month after the launch,” said Salvatore.
He said they were one of the finalists for the Best Enterprise Development App.
Asked what winning meant for them, Salvatore, affectionately as Sal, said it reminded him to take pride in what he creates.
“It made us to look back and realise what we had just done. We were encouraged by the recognition,” he said.
Kyri said the award was a stepping stone.
“It is an amazing feeling one gets when your work is recognised at such a stage. We do what we do for that feeling. We started on a blank page and then we had one code which subsequently became 2 000 codes and then finally a product people can use and make part of their lives,” said Kyri.
MiBrand is a mobile app that allows residents to browse attractions and activities in their area, as well as specials in stores and restaurant nearby.
“We wanted to create a platform for businesses to interact directly with their target market, the residents. Before walking into a store you will already know what is on offer and also compare prices. People can make restaurant bookings directly from the app. They will also be able to get directions and share locations without having to open a different app. We wanted to give people a one-stop shop for all their needs. A quick access to all the things they want,” said Salvatore.
The app is free to download and offers coupons to users.
Salvatore said the duo has more projects in the pipeline.
“We are getting ready to launch an app targeted at young people. All we can reveal now is that it will offer an exciting twist to the way people view online dating,” said Salvatore.
