Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Weinberger, President of LifiBifi Inc., located in Cherry Hill, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
LifiBifi Inc. is an online shopping site that offers special products at special prices. We scour the country for the best, unique products from small businesses and bring them right to the customer. Now you can search less and shop more.
Our customers want to support small businesses and love to find treasure. They are looking for something different and appreciate that high quality doesn’t have to mean the most expensive. The giant online shopping site doesn’t benefit a small business and is all about profit over people. LifiBifi (Little Fish Big Fish) puts people first. We share the stories behind the brands and focus on our customers first. This allows us to be extremely selective about what products and merchants we offer.
Our customers consist of people in need of a gift or someone that enjoys shopping small. Our goal is that everyone looking for something different and special will find a treasure at our site.
Tell us about yourself
Before the pandemic, I had a very successful business as an Independent Sales Director for a division of M&M Mars. In early 2021 the company closed the division, and it was time to pivot. I knew I wanted to take my love of sales and marketing unique products and combine that with the desire to give entrepreneurs a bigger presence in what had become an overwhelmingly one-sided marketplace.
Alongside my amazing team of two brilliant women, Barb Hollock and Marcie Handler, we set out to offer both the customer and the small business a better alternative.
I’ve spent over thirty years in sales and marketing and have grown three small businesses into successful, thriving ones. It was exciting and scary to have an opportunity to busily something new! It’s easy to remain motivated when you love what you do. Every day we wake up knowing that it’s our dream that we’re working on; that’s a very empowering feeling.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We have been able to introduce LifiBifi customers to over forty amazing small businesses and share their stories! It’s fantastic to hear how much people have enjoyed their new discoveries, and we love that the small business owners have gained lifelong new customers.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It’s ironic because the hardest part is also one of the best parts; you have a type of freedom. As a business owner, no one sets limits for you; growth and opportunities are unlimited! On the flip side, it also means you must hold yourself accountable. Regardless of what business you own, it takes personal discipline, and work happens when it needs to be done, which is often outside of most typical job hours. Be sure to set aside some daily uninterrupted “thinking” time. This lets me prioritize my day and stay focused on what really needs immediate attention.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Launching your own business means wearing many hats all in one day. It can be filled with extreme highs and also some lows. The three keys to weathering it all as you grow are to pursue your passion, surround yourself with an amazing team, and always be open and ready to learn. Growth for your business comes only with personal growth. My final thought is never to stop believing in your “why.”
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lifibifi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifibifiinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifibifi
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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