Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hannah Kim, co-founder of ai, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
ai (pronounced ah-ee) means children in Korean. We are a proudly Canadian and Toronto-based brand! This company was co-founded by my two sisters and me, and together with our mom, we collaborate with artisans in Seoul. We create PETA-Approved vegan handbags and accessories made in small batches.
Tell us about yourself
Fashion has always been a great influence in our lives. Our parents immigrated to Canada from Seoul in the late 70s. Particularly for our mother, I believe that fashion was a way for her to connect her expertise and studies of fine art in Seoul as a way to adapt to Canadian culture. During our childhood, I remember every month. My mother would always have the latest imported fashion magazines from Korea but also the latest Vogue and Chatelaine.
Naturally, as we grew older, we always knew we wanted to do something together. We were all at a different point in our lives when suddenly I (Hannah) was suddenly diagnosed with a tumour, and I had to undergo long-term chemo treatment for two years. My family knew I needed a distraction during this time to keep my mind busy. During my mother's quarterly trip to Seoul, she visited my Aunt's vegan handbag production. She introduced us to artisans in Seoul who possess true skill and craftsmanship in their field.
With this opportunity, we launched a small production to sell our vegan handbags to small businesses around Canada. We then landed a relationship with one of Toronto's top designers and began to private label for her. During this time, we were also preparing our own line, which is when ai was born.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Meeting and being interviewed by Jeanne Beker!! She is a style icon! One of my fondest memories from my childhood was every weekend when my grandmother, mother, second sister, and I sat around the television for our weekly episode of Fashion Television with Jeanne Beker. It was a dream to meet her!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are a few things! Definitely achieving work/life balance. Especially having an eight-year-old daughter. But during the past few years in the pandemic, remaining positive, even when things aren't going to plan, was the hardest. But we did our best to stay positive, and it allowed us to pivot our business towards success.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't quit your day job. You need something to fund your new business/passion.
- Go with your gut.
- Find at least three people outside your business to confide in.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We only create and produce pieces that we truly love and will wear. All of our products are tried, tested and true by all of us! Our min is in her 60s; I'm in my 40s, Rebekah is in her 30s, and Joanna is in her 20s.
We also never re-produce something if it doesn't resonate well with our clients, and we are always adapting.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ai-co.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__ai.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-kim-48056020/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
