In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, stress relief is often the catalyst of invention. This adage rings especially true in the journey of Kia-Shun Voltz, CEO and Founder of ShampooTime, a company born out of personal struggle that blossomed into a beacon of innovation for parents and children alike. In a recent episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai delves into Kia-Shun’s entrepreneurial voyage, uncovering the layers of persistence, creation, and strategic thinking that propelled ShampooTime from a simple idea to a thriving business.
Table of Contents
Who is Kia-Shun Voltz?
The genesis of ShampooTime
Scaling the business: A tale of challenges and triumphs
Leveraging Alibaba.com for manufacturing solutions
The role of social media and influencer marketing
Who is Kia-Shun Voltz?
Kia-Shun Voltz is the Founder and CEO of ShampooTime, an innovative product designed to make wash days easier for parents and children. With a background in supply chain management and a passion for solving everyday problems, Kia-Shun has successfully built ShampooTime into a thriving business.
The genesis of ShampooTime
Kia-Shun’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of addressing personal challenges through entrepreneurship. Confronted with the daunting task of washing her daughter’s thick hair—a process fraught with discomfort and tedium—Kia-Shun envisioned a product that would revolutionize this experience.
“And so the thought in my head was like, okay, I gotta find something. So I immediately went to Amazon, and I couldn’t find anything. And so I said, okay, well, maybe this is something that I’m going to have to create at home. And so the whole day, the idea was just in my head. Not to be a product to sell, but just a product for me, you know?”
The result was a cushioned, entertaining shampoo mat designed to turn wash days from a chore into a delight for both parents and children. By recognizing her own problem, Kia-Shun created a product that resonated with a broader audience seeking a similar remedy. This story is yet another example that direct encounters with problems can act as catalysts for creativity.
Scaling the business: A tale of challenges and triumphs
The path to scaling ShampooTime was strewn with hurdles, from surging demand to manufacturing and financial constraints, causing Kia-Shun to struggle to keep on top of the work. To address the issue, she began looking for partnerships with manufacturers, effectively navigating these challenges with strategic foresight and adaptability.
“What most people don’t understand is, when you start out, when you start a business, you’re literally doing everything. The packing, the customer service, the Instagram or social media posting – just every part of the business you’re doing. So people think, ‘I’m going to quit my 9 to 5 to become an entrepreneur.’ Well, yeah, you’re going to quit your 9 to 5 and you’re going to work 24/7 for 4 years to get your business to grow to where you want it to grow because literally, your hands are in everything.”
Her experience accentuates the importance of strategic planning and resourcefulness in overcoming scalability obstacles, showcasing the journey from grassroots beginnings to a significant market presence.
Leveraging Alibaba.com for manufacturing solutions
A pivotal moment in ShampooTime’s journey was finding a manufacturing partner capable of producing its unique components, a challenge initially met with frustration. Turning to Alibaba.com, Kia-Shun tapped into a global marketplace that connected her with manufacturers ready to accommodate her startup’s specific needs.
“Alibaba.com has been here from the very beginning. They’ve been such an instrumental piece in me growing ShampooTime from, you know, taking $200 of my own money and now creating millions in revenue. I ‘ve got Alibaba.com to thank for that.”
This experience highlights the critical role of perseverance and the advantages of leveraging global platforms to find manufacturing solutions that align with an entrepreneur’s vision.
The role of social media and influencer marketing
Kia-Shun’s adept use of social media and influencer marketing epitomizes the power of these platforms in driving startup growth. By leveraging her daughter’s Instagram presence and engaging with micro-influencers, she reached a niche audience that resonated deeply with ShampooTime’s offering.
“I don’t really look at the follower count so much. It’s more of what kind of content are they posting. I really like to do affiliate type programs too where they’re continuously getting money every time they post it. I feel like that’s best for them. That’s best for my business as well.”
This strategy not only amplified the brand’s visibility but also fostered a sense of community among its users, illustrating the effectiveness of tailored marketing strategies in the digital age.
Interested in more of this conversation? Check out the full podcast episode via the links below. Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, and share!
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