What is your process for promoting your business?
Currently, my process for promoting my business is utilizing organic social media, word of mouth and local events. I don’t spend a lot on advertising or paid marketing.
What do you believe sets your bag designs apart from other designer brands?
A lot of research, thought and testing goes into each bag that I design. Unlike fashion companies that quickly create new bags every season, I enjoy designing to solve for a particular need and I only bring a product to market after spending years on it, to ensure I create bags that have the perfect balance of sleek design and function for their purpose. I’m passionate about the process, so each completed bag is like a piece of art to me, not just a fleeting trend. My bags are created to last a long time both in quality and style.
What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur?
I’ve faced a lot of challenges as an entrepreneur, as I’m sure many do. Some of the biggest challenges for me is doing it alone as a solo entrepreneur, and without direct previous experience. There are so many things that go into running a business and doing it all alone is very tough, and isolating. You have to do the things you’re not so great at in business and that also takes away from the parts you’re good at and enjoy doing in business.
Without a partner, there is nobody to bounce ideas off of or talk through issues with. So, the emotional rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship is also hard. Before starting Persu Collection, I worked in entertainment. I didn’t have any experience in product design or the e-commerce industry. I’ve made so many mistakes and learned a lot along the way.
If you are passionate about something, don’t be afraid to just go for it. As hard as it may seem, do not be afraid to start or fail.
Have you experienced additional challenges as a woman of color, if so, how did you handle it?
As an Asian-American entrepreneur, I would like to see more women of color succeeding in their entrepreneur ventures, because growing up with Taiwanese parents, this career as not really an option. My mom in particular has a very traditional way of thinking in terms of careers and being successful was not through creative ventures, but in traditional roles like a doctor or lawyer.
So, naturally I went to an academic university as a pre-law major until I realized that I was not sure that I was passionate about law, nor did I want to do it for the rest of my life. I think if there was more exposure, awareness and representation of successful women of color leading businesses, the thought of choosing to follow my own passions and creativity would have come to me earlier.
What’s next for you and Persu?
I would like to continue to create products that can solve problems and needs for people in the modern world. While the Persu Collection bags are all vegan, I’d like to learn more about sustainability and how to create products that are more sustainable. I would also like to continue to empower people, especially women of color, to ‘persu’ their passions and grow in great ways. This can be through cultivating supportive and collaborative environments.
What advice do you have for other aspiring entrepreneurs?
If you are passionate about something, don’t be afraid to just go for it. As hard as it may seem, do not be afraid to start or fail. You often can’t prepare or predict what will happen. Starting is the best way to find out, and at least have no regrets about not trying. If you encounter any failures, this is a good thing. My failures helped me learn and personally grow faster.
What is your favorite quote?
“Great things never come from comfort zones.” — Unknown
To learn more about Stephanie and the Persu Collection, visit persucollection.com.
To support the Persu Collection, visit their Kickstarter campaign now through Nov. 22.
