Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Desmond Kumi, Business Process Owner of KUMInc. Commerce, located in Chandler, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
KUMInc. is an online E-Commerce market that provides luxury products from leading brands ranging in vitamin/supplements, (sports) nutrition, facial/skin care, hair care, personal hygiene, household supplies, and so much more!!! We look to target families, college students, athletes, cosmetologists, and a whole variety of audiences. Our mission is to serve adults, kids, & senior citizens alike. Any regular, average Joe or Jane can enjoy products from KUMInc.
Tell us about yourself
I am from a lower-middle-class background. So a major goal for me is to ascend the social classes and bring my family & friends along the way. I want to help others but also live a stressless life for the most part. So, upon enrolling at ASU, I decided to pursue business law. I thought the combination between law and business would bring me the most out of life in terms of influence, a strong network, and opportunities to build a better life for me and for others who are in my circle. I started KUMInc. With the initiative to build something that would financially put me through law school, as that is another milestone I plan to achieve. Additionally, I wanted KUMInc. To invite others to invest in themselves, whether by bettering their appearance and health or improving other aspects of their lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building connections is always a 1-up for me personally. I come into contact with some pretty impressive people. I earn their time, and they earn mine. I'm always learning, whether it's voluntary or involuntary. Life for me is anything but dull. I'd say building the logo and updating KUMInc.'s image is something I'm always proud of. I ask myself, "what catches people's attention?" My demeanor mindset is constantly being fortified with positivity. As I face obstacles, I'm growing to be more durable when facing them.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Talking with people and showing them the benefits of your product or service can always be tough. Frankly, people tend to come up with excuses for why not to purchase buy. But it comes down to skepticism one way or another. So earning trust is what's important. A lot of times, people want the cheapest option. Cheap rarely translates to also having great quality. And as a business owner, you have to explain that to the customer/client time and time again.
I'd also say building a solid work ethic. You need to develop a sense of consistency and persistence. Establish some form of momentum. When life happens, will your ship be crushed by the tsunami, or will it endure? One must take the time to learn from their mistakes and be okay that mistakes happen to begin with.
If you're on a team, communication and good group culture are a MUST. A foundation that lacks this isn't a foundation at all.
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... right away. Build slowly, make things concrete, then gradually transition. Find a like-minded group to "grow-up" with you, not just in business but in life as well. Whether they do what you do or something entirely different, have peers who are goal-oriented like yourself. "Iron sharpens iron." If you ever come across a veteran in your field of business, one who has done it, succeeded, and is generous to lend you a helping hand, you have found a good thing. Cherish that mentor. Knowing why you are doing what you are doing; it's the only thing strong enough to push you right on through to success!!!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.amway.com/en_US/myshop/kuminc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KUMInc.Official
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmond-kumi/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.