Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jason Hsieh, Founder of LakiKid, located in Phoenix, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
LakiKid is an eCommerce enterprise established in 2017 that designs and sells products for kids with special needs. Our mission is to empower, support, and educate kids with learning differences and help build an inclusive community where everyone will be accepted regardless of their abilities with our products, parent support group, and podcast. Our primary audience consists of parents and educators.
Tell us about yourself
In 2013, while living in Tokyo, Japan, our son was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Despite being one of the largest cities in the world, Tokyo had very limited resources and therapy opportunities for our son. We then decided to move to the US. Realizing that most of the resources our son needed were not covered by our insurance, we decided to start a business to help cover the therapy expenses. This was how LakiKid started in 2017.
My family motivates me to do better in business and life. I want to make sure I can support them the best I can by helping other families who are also in the same situation as ours.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In 2020, I was on the verge of divorce and bankruptcy because of my business. Being the "never say die" kind of person, I poured everything in - my resources, my time, my energy - to get the business to a better place. I'm happy to say that in 2021, I closed the year with more than $600,000 in sales. Bouncing back from 2020 has got to be my biggest accomplishment to date.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Adapting to change. I learned this at the start of the pandemic. Being a business that caters to teachers, the pandemic challenged my team and me to think on our toes and figure out how we can adapt to the pandemic and make sure we thrive despite the situation.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find the people you want to serve first before finding a product to sell. If you intend to help people, success will follow.
- Delegate and elevate.
- Never stop learning.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lakikid.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakiKidSensory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakikid_sensory_toys/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lakikid/
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.
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