Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christina Guo, founder of Little You 3D, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Little You is a digital platform that gives children from 6 to 18 years of age the chance to design, personalize, and create custom characters using the latest web and 3D printing technology.
Little You application supports more than 1000+ templates with more than 1000+ creations, giving way to the endless imagination of kids, students, and their young siblings. It is a user-friendly platform that allows children to create real-life anime figures and characters. Children can design and create 3D characters and easily customize every aspect and feature on Little You website for the appearance and the identity of their 3D characters. The application allows kids to change the color, size, and position of numerous add-ons accessories for the anime characters.
Once the design is completed, Little You then brings to life the created design into live characters in the form of toys that are delivered to their doorsteps. This encourages children to always keep their wings open and continue exploring their hidden artistic side with a new approach.
The live 3D anime characters are made using the most advanced 3D printing technology. Little You offers toys made of different durable materials like glass fibre composite from Palitra, acrylic resin from Mimaki, and full colour sandstone from 3D System. These materials are durable and safe for hands-on play for young kids.
Tell us about yourself
As an artist, I always believe creativity is very important. Seeing the world through the eyes of a child is a romantic notion and drawing like a child is what all artists like to pursue. I believe creativity is the currency of the 21st Century. Creativity promotes well-being and happiness in children. When a child expresses their creativity, it helps develop their analytical and problem-solving skills and ultimately become holistic individuals with a healthy brain who will be ready to lead a prosperous country.
I had this idea while studying Design at OCAD University in 2015. Initially, I struggled with achieving my childhood dream and being whoever I wanted to be. While I was exploring, I found out that children at age 5 have the greatest capability of creation, their creativity scores were 98%, and as they grow up, their creativity score drops to 2% by adulthood. Children are born with creativity, but it can’t just happen on its own; it needs to be cultivated.
Fast forward to 2020, I am determined to reinvent my initial idea, and Little You is about to be launched. With a Master in Entrepreneurship from the University of Waterloo and a $10k scholarship award for my business idea, this time, my goal is to create a social venture with a mission to entertain children while cultivating their creativity.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Since the company's launch in February 2021, the website has been experiencing a growing number of unique visitors daily. We've partnered up with many international STEAM Organizations and schools. Our company was written by Financial Post, 3D print.com, Engineering.com, Entrepreneur, and much more. The company expects its revenue to continue growing simultaneously by promoting the uniqueness of Little You.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Various unexpected challenges and wearing different hats at the beginning.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't stay too long in your comfort zone.
- Be patient.
- Always look out for opportunities.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Watch the tutorial on How to Customize an Avatar on Little You.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.littleyou.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littleyou3d/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleyou3d/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/littleyou3d
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/littleyou/
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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