It’s crazy to think that someone with zero design knowledge can create an 8 figure premium hand bag company. But in this interview we learn how Tiffany Zhou (the founder of OLEADA) did just that.

TD;LR:

• she worked as engineer until she realized she needed a change
• went back to school for MBA (at 30!)
• created a side hustle first, to explore brand building

ALSO! If anyone has any questions about OLEADA or her entrepreneurial journey, Tiffany has agreed to answer questions in the comment section below, so ask away!

(What you're about to read is the short version of the interview. If you'd like to read the full interview, you can do so here)

Please, introduce yourself and your business.

My name is Tiffany, I’m 34 y/o and I am the Co-Founder & Creative Director of a NYC-based sustainable work bag brand called OLEADA.

How did you start your business? 

Before founding OLEADA, I had a pretty extensive professional background. I didn’t go to design school, nor art school. I started my professional career as a trained engineer— more specifically Technology-related Strategy Consulting. In my late 20s, I then pursued my MBA in New York City, and landed a job in private equity. After spending more than a few years in the industry, I realized there would be a glass ceiling above me as a female minority in a heavily male-dominated field. 

The idea to quit my job and start a handbag brand really came from my background in finance: as a professional woman, it was so hard for me to find a handbag that fit my bulky work laptop, all my daily essentials, and still remain lightweight.

People told me I’d fail in this business because handbags are a very saturated item. But I thought to get creative, to see things differently: most handbags are just an accessory to your entire outfit, they aren’t seeking to solve problems for the people that wear them. Bringing my engineering process into fashion design, coupled with design thinking methodologies I learned while working in tech projects, I was able to take charge of women’s fashion in a different way.

How much revenue was your best year? (include margin if possible)

We’re hitting our 4th year on the market. As of right now, we are at the multi-million dollar level globally.

What is your best advice for someone who feels completely stuck?

My best piece of advice is not to start a business that is completely irrelevant to you, and to your lifestyle. You can’t hope to one day become something you’re not for the sake of business. Find a commonality between what you like, and what you’re good at, and that’s your idea. 

Yes you need basic necessities like ambition and skillset, but then you have to think about resources: who can help you in your current network, what money do you have or have to earn from investors, and when you have to build your team. 

Entrepreneurship is a constant trial-and-error process. There is no recipe for you to follow and immediately be successful.

the full interview can be read here