Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Mariana Toncu, CEO of the Bestyn App. Bestyn is a multifunctional app to chat with neighbors, discover local events, and promote goods and services.
Bestyn was founded based on the importance of community involvement. Whether you just moved to your block from out of town or haven’t had the right opportunity to become friendly with your neighbors, Bestyn makes it simple.
Bestyn works because it connects you with other people who also want to have a better community sense. Whether you’re looking for the next yard sale, need a good recommendation for a mechanic, or want to invite your neighbors for a potluck, now you can with the touch of a button. Bestyn makes it easy for neighbors, business owners, and community members to connect with one another.
Please tell us something about yourself.
I am an immigrant from Eastern Europe, came to Orlando, Florida, 6 years ago, the mother of three children, and managing a couple of companies.
How did you get into what you do right now? Please tell us more about your journey.
I was looking around for some app to get a connection with my neighbors. I realized that it’s just one or two apps that provide something like this. They still do not work. So, I decided to build an app that will cover all neighborhood needs and people around the neighborhood. People who want to connect with neighbors, only based on their interest and also make their communities safe.
Who are your role models?
My role model is a mom who can manage her life, a strong woman who will give the child education, be a good parent, and be a good neighbor.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by my neighborhood, and about how people can get connected is one of the best things. Together people can build a really strong community.
Please tell us about your app Bestyn.
I was looking just to build an app that will be designed for the community. Also, I was inspired by the book ‘Alice Adventures in the Wonderland’ by Lewis Carroll and everything related to the story.
Life’s too short to never get to know your neighbors. After all, you’re probably going to be seeing them more often than not. Instead of doing that awkward wave when you’re both taking out the trash at the same time, get to know the people who live next door.
Start building long-lasting relationships with Bestyn. Whether you’re looking for a partner to walk the dogs with, schedule a playdate for your kiddos, or want to shout out a new local restaurant – now you can!
Bestyn is available for download now on Android and iOS Devices.
What’s your most memorable experience?
When I was moving to switch the apartments initially, it was a hard time to find people’s advice about some area or about some community. For me, this was like an engine that was moving me and making me act and decide to build this app.
Which social media channels work best for promoting your work?
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Tik Tok.
Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood better before you ever got started?
I’m happy with every moment, so I try not to think about the past. I just live my moment and wish for the best future.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
I’m trying to meet happy people. I’m trying to communicate with more neighbors. I’m trying to make things easy for people in all communities by using various marketing strategies.
What keeps you going when things get tough?
I know the big things will take time to be successful and grow. So, I have to improve the app all the time in order to be successful. Also, I need to listen to people because people look at the app’s important things, and their opinion is the most important. My concern to give them exactly what they want.
Any message for our readers.
I know the app initially may not give you that feeling, which you might be expecting, but I encourage all users to make the first post to share their pictures and videos with the neighbors and be patient that more people will come on the platform. It may take time for more people to come on this platform, but we are trying to get more feedback and improve our app. A lot of features are under development and will come soon. We have a strategy to bring to our users something new every month, and that will help them to join the app and make a stronger community.
How can people connect with you?
People can connect with us by sending messages on our official email or by leaving their direct feedback on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. We need more feedback to understand how we can improve ourselves and deliver to people exactly what they want. You can also check out the Instagram handle.
Our mission and the goal is to make our neighborhood safe and make our community stronger, to know each other. Sometimes you may need help, and you don’t even know someone in your neighborhood. Some people are professional and they can be your local advisor. And, usually, the physically closest people are your neighbors, and they can advise you with a lot of things. They can help you with everything, all you need to do is just ask for help.
Thank you so much for giving us your precious time. It was really inspiring to know about your success journey!!
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