Building a Movement, Not Just a Marketplace
Dear Little Swaps Community,
I’m Monica Leesha, mom of four, CEO and Co-Founder of Little Swaps. Alongside my husband, Phil, whose love for sustainability inspired this journey, and my longtime friend and Co-Founder Claudia, who believed in this vision from day one, we set out to build something that felt long overdue: a safe, simple, and sustainable way for parents to exchange pre-loved items.
Born from Frustration, Built with Love
Like so many parents, I was drowning in outgrown clothes, toys, and gear. As a mother of four, I tried selling online more times than I can count, but the constant messaging, no-shows, last-minute haggling, and especially the safety concerns, made it exhausting. And throwing these items out? That felt even worse. I kept thinking: There has to be a better way.
A way that respects the emotional value behind these items, keeps parents safe, and makes the process feel simple again. This mission quickly became a driving force in my life. After countless conversations with other parents, I realized this wasn’t just my problem, it was everyone’s problem. That’s how Little Swaps was born.
More Than a Marketplace, We’re a Movement
Little Swaps isn’t just a platform; we’re building a movement. A movement rooted in trust, community, and intention and that empowers parents to make conscious, sustainable choices with the things they already have.
Built by parents, for parents, we’re making it easier to pass along the things our children once loved, without awkward meetups or sharing our home address. I want every parent to feel good about giving items a second life, while saving money and reducing waste.
Because every item holds memories, milestones, and moments that deserve to live on. And when we share them, they go to families who will appreciate them just as much.
That’s the heart of Little Swaps.
It Takes a Village
Building something new truly takes a village and I am endlessly grateful for mine.
My cousin Carolina, who planted the very first seed. She flies in from Spain every year with extra suitcases so my kids can grow up wearing her children’s clothes. That small, thoughtful act showed me how powerful and beautiful passing things on can be.
My friend Jordan, who quietly handed me her unsold garage sale items with faith that one day, I’d build something better for parents like us.
And of course, Phil and Claudia, who have stood by this mission from the very beginning, with heart, grit, and belief.
These quiet acts of trust and generosity, that’s the spirit of Little Swaps. That’s our village.
To every parent who’s ever felt the frustration of trying to do the right thing with their outgrown gear: this is for you!
Vision for the Future
This is just the beginning.
We’re building a community that makes secondhand feel second nature. With better tech, smart partnerships, and your support, we’re making sustainable living more accessible for every family.
Thank you for being part of Little Swaps. Let’s make secondhand the first choice, for every parent, everywhere.
Warmly,
Monica
CEO, Little Swaps
About Monica
Monica is the CEO and Co-Founder of Little Swaps, a marketplace built by parents, for parents, to make secondhand shopping safer and simpler. She lives in New York with her husband and four children.
A finance leader and serial entrepreneur, Monica previously co-founded Holos with her sisters and husband, Phil: a wellness tech company helping teams across Latin America take proactive control of their health. She’s passionate about sustainability, community, and building solutions that make life easier for families.
