Meet the Faces Behind Shift Savior

Behind every great innovation lies a story of friendship, vision, and determination. Meet Anna Mupariwa and Michaela Mc Rowdie, two best friends whose chance encounter with opportunity at We Think Code has sparked what they believe will be a game-changing platform for young professionals in South Africa.

From College Friends to Co-Founders

Anna and Michaela's story began like many great partnerships do in the corridors of their college at We Think Code. Both bright, ambitious teenagers with dreams bigger than their circumstances, they quickly bonded over their shared passion for technology and their desire to make a meaningful impact on their community.

"We realized that so many young people like us were struggling to find short-term employment opportunities that could help them gain experience and support themselves through their studies."

The Moment That Changed Everything

The turning point came when both friends learned about an incredible opportunity being offered by I'M IN – a platform that supports young entrepreneurs. As they sat in the We Think Code library, laptops open and dreams brewing they began discussing the challenges they and their peers faced in finding flexible, short-term employment.

"We kept hearing the same story over and over again," explains Anna. "Students needed work to support their studies, but traditional employment was too rigid. Meanwhile, businesses in the hospitality industry were constantly struggling to find reliable staff for busy periods or last-minute needs."

The Birth of Shift Savior

It was during one of their late-night study sessions that the lightbulb moment happened. Anna was working part-time at a local restaurant and had just witnessed the manager scramble to find weekend staff for a large event. Michaela, on the other hand, had friends who were culinary students desperately seeking flexible work to gain experience.

"That's when it clicked," Anna says. "What if there was a platform that could connect students and young professionals with businesses that needed temporary staff? Not just any platform, but one that was smart enough to match people based on their skills, location, and availability?"

Building Dreams Together

Armed with nothing but determination, they began sketching out their vision for Shift Savior. They spent countless hours researching the hospitality industry, talking to restaurant owners, and surveying Culinary students about their employment needs.

"People thought we were crazy," laughs Michaela. "Two teenage girls thinking they could solve a problem that had existed in the industry for years. But we knew we were onto something special."

The I'M IN Opportunity

When they learned about the I'M IN opportunity, Anna and Michaela knew this was their chance to turn their dream into reality. They worked tirelessly on their application, refining their business model and preparing their pitch.

"The I'M IN opportunity came at the perfect time," Anna explains. "It wasn't just about the funding or support, it was about validation that our idea had real potential to make a difference in people's lives."

More Than Just a Platform

For Anna and Michaela, Shift Savior represents more than just a business opportunity. It's a chance to empower young professionals across South Africa. They understand firsthand the challenges of balancing education, work, and financial pressures.

"We're not just building a platform," emphasizes Michaela. "We're creating a community where people can gain valuable experience, earn income on their terms, and build professional networks that will serve them throughout their careers."

Looking Ahead

As Shift Savior continues to develop, Anna and Michaela remain grounded in their original mission: to change the lives of young professionals seeking flexible employment opportunities. They're currently in the pre-accelerator phase, working tirelessly to bring their vision to life.

"Every late night, every challenge, every small victory it's all worth it when we think about the impact we can have," says Anna. "We're just two best friends who refused to accept that things couldn't be better."

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