Our first Chill Mumpreneur of 2016 is Amanda Kwan. After working in sales for many years, this mother of two decided it was time to follow her passion. Read on to find out what drives Amanda to start her own business.
Describe your business in 1 – 3 sentences
Little Pockets is an online boutique for kids with designs curated thoughtfully for our little ones to have fun in while looking fabulous. It is all about apparels that are suitable for our humid Singapore weather yet not compromised on style. The current focus is mainly on swim/beach wear for aged 2-12.
How did you decide on this business idea?
Three key elements that resulted in Little Pockets:
1) Having slogged for years in enterprise sales, my inner voice told me it was time to do something I have a stronger passion for (which includes quite a few things!)
2) I observed that many parents either: A) Over-dress their kids in impractical, over-the-top clothes that are so restrictive to run around and have fun in OR B) Can’t be bothered to dress their kids at all in this humid Singapore weather and wear the same comfortable thing as everyone else. I see a gap for clothes that are authentic in design yet comfortable to have fun in.
3) Shortly after having my second boy last year, I know that whatever I am embarking on has to give me the time flexibility because I really want to be a “quality mum” to both my sons. Hence, going online with my concept boutique will be a good start.
What ideas did you consider but reject? Why?
I did dream of designing my own clothes. However, with the lack of training and resources, I decided to start with a multi-lable online store for now to gain more experience and insights into the industry first. So, the idea is not rejected technically… just delayed I hope!
What motivates you?
I know its a cliché to say this but waking up every morning feeling excited that I own an idea or plan (no matter how small it is) that I need to make happen is in itself very motivating for me. And being in sales for so long, I guess I have grown to be super motivated by happy customers. It brings a smile to my face!
How long have you been running your business?
Little Pockets was started in mid 2015.
How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful?
There is still a long way to being profitable but the journey (though newly begun) has been fulfilling with many little milestones along the way e.g. my first overseas order, my 100th FB likes etc…
How many children do you have? How old are they?
I have two boys. One has just started Primary One this year and the little monster turned 2 in January.
How did your family react to you starting your own business?
My husband was equally excited when I decided to take this bold step and has been very supportive. My boys are just happy that I can spend more time in the day doing all sorts of things with them.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
It has to be the empowerment of making my own decisions and the constant learning and thinking journey of how to make Little Pockets better.
What is the easiest part of building your business?
On hindsight, I would say the technical side of setting up the online shop was the easiest part.
What is the hardest part of building your business?
Sourcing for suitable and reliable brands continue to be my biggest challenge.
What were your biggest mistakes, or biggest waste of time/money in your mompreneurship journey?
It has only been a few months but I have learnt that progress is far better than perfection. I might have over-planned certain things and wasted precious time in the beginning.
What are the biggest pains or frustrations you face on a day to day basis? At business or at home?
I do get frustrated when I am not able to complete the tasks that I have set out to do for the day.
If you have a magic wand and do anything to solve the pain/frustration, what would you do?
Seriously? I would turn my day into 48 hours!
What resources or tools did you find most helpful when you were getting started?
Shopify was a great platform in terms of setting up an online store without any professional help.
Who is your business coach or mentor? Or who do you go for business related advice?
When it comes to digital marketing, it would be my husband. I also have a couple of mummy friends with an eye for style who will give me generous and honest feedback and suggestions.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?
Many others would have been able to achieve the same or even more given the same amount of time and resources. So, I can’t say I am really proud of where I am right now but I am 100% sure that the best thing accomplished so far is to take that first step to pursue my own dream.
Can you recommend an essential app for moms in, or going into, business?
Mobile Apps on the go – Email, Facebook, Shopify (or whatever online dashboard that you engage your customers with).
Can you recommend an essential website for moms in, or going into, business?
www.bizfile.gov.sg
www.themumpreneurshow.com
www.mumsatwork.net
If you were to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
No, except that I would start this journey even earlier.
What’s next?
Stocking for 2016 collections, planning for next marketing campaign, start sketching and the list goes on…
Favorite part of a typical day?
Kissing the two sleepy heads and smelling them when they wake up in the morning.
Time of day you get the most work done?
Morning after dropping off my son to pre-school and before lunch.
How do you make time to work on your business?
I make full use of every little pockets of time I have during my elder son’s enrichment classes and during my little one’s nap.
What is your advice for a mom wanting to start a business?
Having a support system to share some daily responsibilities help a great deal.
Be prepared to make changes to your certain aspects of your lifestyle.
What is your childhood ambition?
Be a singer 🙂
My role model is… Why?
My husband. He is far from perfect but…he works hard, he plans ahead, he loves his family and he brings joy to people around him.
My life….
Has been and will continue to be an amazing journey.
I’m currently reading….
Gone With The Wind (for the second time).
What’s your #1 tip for a mom looking to start her own business?
Dream big. Start small. Every step counts.
Thank you, Amanda! All the best in your mumpreneurship journey.
PS: If you (and your business) like to be featured in the Momboss in the Spotlight series, email me at mich@thechillmom.com with the subject line “Feature Me In MomBoss Spotlight” and I’ll send the questionnaire to you 🙂
