Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kathy Kuo, founder, and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, located in New York City, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Founded in 2012, Kathy Kuo Home is an e-commerce destination for a beautifully curated collection of luxury furniture and decor essentials from a variety of beloved home vendors. Specializing in styles like French Country, Coastal Beach, and Modern Classic, we operate with the mission that all of our customers should love where they live! Kathy Kuo Home is also proud to offer a robust interior design services menu and a dedicated Trade program. Our customers come from all over the country and range from families furnishing entire new-build houses to individuals investing in quality anchor furniture pieces for their first homes.
Tell us about yourself
I'm originally from Taiwan and grew up in Boston before attending RISD for college (which I loved)! I started my career in the product design space and founded Kathy Kuo Home in 2012 after noticing a hole in the market when it came to being able to buy luxury furniture online. I love being an entrepreneur, and I draw so much inspiration and motivation from forming connections with fellow founders and CEOs. My children, family, and team members also provide me with endless motivation.
Do you have daily rituals for work / wellness / fitness / mindfulness?
I am a big proponent of daily journaling and habit tracking, so that is a major ritual that I always do to start the day. In the evenings, when I'm spending time with my children, I make it a ritual to unplug from work and my phone and be very present with them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I started my business literally making eBay purchases on behalf of my customers and taking their credit card numbers over the phone, and over the past decade have grown it into a full-service luxury furniture and design destination. Just being able to step back and witness the growth of the business, and see all the ways that my team has helped our customers love where they live, is my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
When you own a business, there are really no "days off." I'm also a mom, so balancing quality time with my children with the responsibilities of owning and leading a business is something I'm always refining and trying to get right.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be your own biggest advocate. Trust your ideas, and don't be afraid to test new ideas and try new avenues of execution.
- Surround yourself with an amazing team that you trust! No founder, CEO, entrepreneur, or business leader finds success in a vacuum. Investing in an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team is essential.
- Remember what your "why" is! Of course, the numbers matter, but I try never to lose sight of the fact that I founded my business with the goal of helping my customers to bring joy and beauty into their homes.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kathykuohome.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathykuohome/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathykuohome/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kathykuohome
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kathy-kuo-designs/
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.