Meet Anamaria Gomez | SWOM COO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anamaria Gomez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anamaria, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Recognizing that aligning personal and business aspects transforms work into a fulfilling life experience. It’s not merely a means to earn a living; it’s about living while pursuing your passion. Following numerous discussions during the pandemic, Paula and I, as partners, reflected on our shared love for travel. We believe in its transformative power and aspire to make it accessible to all. Traditional lodging options have become both costly and unreliable. Hence, SWOM emerged—a platform facilitating home exchanges for short or long-term stays, offering a solution to this challenge.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Home swapping isn’t a novel concept; while not everyone has experienced it, many are familiar with the idea. SWOM adds a unique twist, requiring members to be invited by others, fostering a community built on trust. Although you may not know your home exchange partner personally, the assurance lies in the fact that someone within the community vouches for them. Our commitment to members aligns with the evolving trend towards stronger, trust-based communities in smaller cities and like-minded neighborhoods.

Being part of the shared economy movement, we take pride in contributing to environmental consciousness and reducing carbon footprints. Sharing, a fundamental action in building trust, is key to creating a better world. While acknowledging the challenges of any significant idea, SWOM’s momentum has been driven by the alignment with the current times and spaces, resulting in a transformative experience.

Our journey with SWOM includes the expected ups and downs of entrepreneurship, but understanding the necessity for course corrections, we navigated through challenges. Countless lessons have been learned, emphasizing the importance of being present in the process, embracing the idea’s evolution, and creating the future day by day.

SWOM transcends being a mere platform; it embodies a lifestyle. It caters not only to us but to those who are passionate about travel, the seekers, and global citizens. It stands as a model of trust, contributing to the collective effort of making the world a better place.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Colorado has been an integral part of my life ever since my days studying Recreation Management in college. The allure of the outdoors captivated me, and it didn’t take long to recognize that Colorado was a mecca for nature enthusiasts. Its abundant rivers, expansive woods, towering mountains, and vast wilderness provided the perfect canvas for me to realize my vision as an outdoor educator.

What sets Colorado apart, beyond its breathtaking landscapes, is the down-to-earth vibe ingrained in the local community—a kind of Waldenesque approach to life. The simplicity and authenticity create a slower, yet more fulfilling pace, resonating with my passion for the outdoors.

Even as life has progressed, my connection with Colorado remains strong. While I once ventured there to pursue my outdoor education dreams, my visits have evolved. Now, on an annual basis, I return to relish the exhilarating slopes that Colorado boasts. The state is home to an array of magnificent ski resorts, making it a challenging task to choose from. Presently, Steamboat has become a frequent destination for my family and me. The town’s small-town charm, coupled with superb dining options, has truly captured our hearts. Whether navigating the slopes as a family or indulging in the local cuisine, each visit is a testament to the beauty and mysticism that make Colorado one of my favorite places on earth.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Numerous individuals play crucial roles in this narrative. My husband, Daniel, has consistently been my ally—a firm advocate of the gratification in steering one’s own business journey and managing time independently. Witnessing my evolution into an entrepreneur, he has been a steadfast supporter. Paula, my business partner, recognized untapped potential in both of us. Drawing on her expertise in unconventional travel and my extensive background in home exchanges, she envisioned the possibilities. Moreover, despite lacking an engineering or development background, Paula always believed in my tech aptitude and adaptive learning, pivotal to the success of this venture. SWOM is now a reality, thanks to her unwavering faith in me.

Website: www.swom.travel

Instagram: swom.travel

Facebook: SwomTravel