Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sally Kim, founder, and CEO of We are Wild, located in Portland, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are Wild is the first all solid skincare system designed for everyday recreation. Our products are natural, fun, easy, and designed to take on the go and use every day for a powerful, effective routine that works. Our products are fingers and germ-free, spill-proof, and, best of all TSA friendly. Where Pacific NW values meet Seoul innovations as we partner with the most advanced labs in South Korea (the hub of skincare innovation) to formulate our products so that they're safe, effective, and most of all good for your skin.
Tell us about yourself
I worked as an ex-pat in South Korea and saw all the great skincare innovations, especially in solid stick form. Since I lived a pretty active lifestyle traveling all around the world for work and fun, I wanted to develop an uncomplicated yet effective skincare system that was also great for travel. As a native of Portland, Oregon, I carried my love for adventure and the outdoors. I wanted to develop a line that fit the active, adventurous consumer even if you didn't live in Seoul.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment comes from customers who email us telling us how our products made such a difference in their skin and busy schedules. With a repeat purchase rate of 85%, we love that our products work and benefit our customers every day.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is standing by your brand values and promises to your customers. We had a major retailer that asked us to help minimize costs by using cheaper materials and ingredients. We declined to work with the retailer because that would put our compromise on our pledge to provide clean, effective, and quality ingredients to our customers. Profit over doing what's right is a golden formula for the long term.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Create a best-in-class team. It really takes an amazing team to make a dream come true.
- Ask for help. Don't fake it till you make it. Realize you don't have all the answers, and someone else might so ask for it.
- Give yourself grace. A successful business is not built overnight, a month, or even a year. Sometimes it takes years and years to make your vision come to life, so allow for that to happen.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://wearewild.us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearewildskincare/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearewildskincare/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wearewildpdx
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyrkim/
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.