Founder Series: Samuel Wang, Founder of The Goods LA
Icebreakers:
Coffee/Tea Order: Cold Brew or Double Espresso on Ice
Currently Listening to on Spotify: Apple Music only…Been listening to 88 Rising
Currently watching on Netflix: Most recently watched The Last Jedi
Favorite City: Los Angeles
Team Pizza or Team Tacos: BOTH
Interview:
In a few words can you describe what your business does?
We design and manufacture thoughtful accessories for the modern city dwellers.
What inspired to you start The Goods LA?
It was really hard to find any types of accessories that I really liked and didn’t cost an arm and a leg. I decided to change that. Also, I really enjoy making things with my own hands, a trait I picked up from grandpa.
Did you always know from a young age you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
No, like a proper Chinese American, I was planning on becoming a doctor or an engineer.
How did you find your first customers?
We had a Kickstarter Campaign when we launched, though it failed. From it, we did receive a lot of interest from customers who were looking for well-made products at an affordable price.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
Solving new problems with new product ideas.
Did you face any criticism when you were first starting/sharing your business idea with friends and family?
I did with family because I chose to not to become a doctor or engineer and that was a big no-no. However, I never really worried about what other people said. I just move forward at my own pace.
How important do you think design is in today’s world?
It is without a doubt the most important and the most underappreciated part of a business. It’s the difference between a 5 years company and a 50-year company. You could have gotten away with bad design 30 years ago, but not anymore. Audiences nowadays are way too savvy to fall for bad design yet many companies still put a low priority on it.
What was the best lesson you have learned from other founders?
Be as organized as you can be.
What advice would you give fellow millennials who want to start their own business?
Allow mistakes to happen.
Let’s take a second to swoon over The Goods LA handmade accessories!
Learn more about Sam:
Sam created The Goods LA brand in 2015 to focus on product design. Sam was able to use his engineering background to design products that are both functional and stylish.
Keep up with The Goods LA:
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