Childhood friends create Switch, an audio-based relationship app

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

Born from a long-lasting friendship, the Switch Dating app takes a unique approach to modern app-based dating with a unique twist—embracing the power of audio. Corey Staples and Kiana Mincey are co-founders of the audio-based dating app, Switch.

The story of Staples and Mincey’s friendship and business relationship began during their shared experiences in middle and high schools. There they bonded over basketball and track. This friendship deepened as they competed in track and field events, even achieving state championships together for Buford High School. The pair remained close following graduation.

From there both would attend college separately, Staples graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors of Science in Telecommunications and later earned a Masters of Science from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU). Mincey graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors of Science Communications in Media Studies and Masters of Arts in Integrated Global Communication.

Mincey secured a job in Connecticut at ESPN and her time there exposed the limitations of existing dating apps. She found that her experience with dating apps was emphasizing superficial interactions over genuine connections. Concurrently, Staples was pursuing a career in sports broadcasting merged with her interest in tech and app development. This convergence sparked their vision to create a dating app prioritizing authentic conversations and meaningful bonds.

In early 2021, Mincey found herself exploring uncharted territory. "When 2021 started I had, you know, I was just really thinking about different apps,” Mincey said.

Her idea took shape as a response to her own experiences. "I really wasn't on dating apps before that. I tried dating apps and I had like three or four at the time, and all of them were just garbage,’ Mincey explained.

Mincey frustration with the lack of meaningful connections and the cumbersome process of setting up in-person meetings was difficult. However, an unexpected encounter with a live audio platform, Clubhouse, turned the tide. "I found myself at 3:45 in the morning, still in these chat rooms, because I'm just really enjoying connecting and networking with people," she shared.

This revelation marked the beginning of her journey to create the Switch Dating app, a platform centered around genuine conversations, bridging the gap she identified in the dating app landscape.

Mincey roped in her childhood friend, Staples, who is the company’s co-founder and COO. Together they sought expertise in app development and design. Designli, a design firm located in South Carolina, yielded a prototype that materialized their concept. However, they soon parted ways due to financial considerations, leading them to an unforeseen ally, Isaac Hayes III.

Hayes III, the CEO of Fanbase, offered an unexpected source of inspiration and guidance. His parallel journey in app development echoed their aspirations. Through diligent research, Corey and Kiki discovered

ConsultR, Isaac's chosen design firm, presenting the potential to actualize their vision.

Continuing their relationship with ConsultR, Staples and Mincey are now on the cusp of launching a crowdfunding campaign via Startengine, the public crowdfunding investment platform to secure a $1 million dollar raise.

Never wavering from the course, the founders did find their share of problems as startup founders.

“We are Black female founders and in the market in general, any market when you're starting in business as a Black founder, especially as a Black woman, it's very challenging. A lot of people think that Black founders that have businesses it’s automatically assumed by a majority of the market that this product or whatever it may be is for only for black people,” Mincey told The Atlanta Voice.

Seemingly, standing out in the dating app culture when Hinge and Tinder are already recognizable in the public zeitgeist would be difficult, but Mincey and Staples believe that Switch offers something that other dating apps can’t compete with.

“People have Hinge, Tinder and Bumble, right? So it's not that daunting to think that we're going against these big names, because at the end of the day, they're going to have what they're used to, but they're going to want to try something new,” Staples told The Atlanta Voice.

Holding this steadfast belief staples continued that people already keep multiple or similar apps on their phones already and that the freshness of Switch will make them stand out in the marketplace.

“We know what we have is so different that people are going to be incentivized to want to download it and try something new just because people have multiple dating apps on their phone. But what we have is different and what we're offering is different. So I wouldn't say that in any of the slightest Kiki (Kiana’s nickname) and I have ever been or felt challenged by what they have going on. We’re in our own lane,” Staples told The Atlanta Voice

Lifestyle Street Lines: 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

BY DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON AKA ALE SHARPTON

The Pathfinder’s well-received makeover in 2022 led the way to significant upgrades in design, features, power, and accommodations. The Street Lines review of the 2023 Rock Creek edition made it evident this vehicle was one of the top SUVs for the year. This time around, we got to experience the second of five trims—Platinum 4WD edition—which is geared for those demanding a more upscale, pampering ver- sion compared to the more rugged, off-road approach of the Rock Creek. The other three are the S, SV, SL, with the Platinum being the top of the line.

Platinum’s regal status of the series is justified with numerous standouts including the vibrant 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, leather seating with the front two having ventilation, tri-zone climate control, powered steering wheel with tilt, head-up display, an extra USB port, a home-style 120-volt power outlet, rain-sensing windshield wipers, remote engine start, intelligent around-view monitor, traffic sign recognition, and handsfree power liftgate. The 20-inch wheels, LED lighting package, roof rails, and panoramic moonroof certainly please the eye as well. Options such as the second row’s captain chairs, removable center console, and lighting package featuring illuminated kick plates come recommended.

Under the hood, there is a sufficient 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine peaking at 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque with a ninespeed transmission, and as expected, stellar handling with the 4WD enhancement.

Nissan has done an impressive job with the legendary Pathfinder, and with five options to choose from including the luxurious Platinum, any SUV enthusiast will be surely satisfied.

Fuel Economy: 20 city/25 highway/22 combined.

Price: $49,870 ($54,050 with Captain Chairs Package, carpeted floor mats, Lighting Package, two-tone paint, and LED fog lamps)

For more information, visit Nissanusa.com