Kathy Juana Aiyegbo Founder Mission Lane

What’s your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?

I always wanted to have a store, but never imagined it to be online. I started meeting with a mentor through Score NYC to start getting an idea of what I was thinking about getting myself into. My plan was originally to network and make a plan to open a actual store front, but after multiple discussions and persuading I decided to go the route of an online store and it was the best decision I’ve made. One thing that my mentor mentioned often to me was that anyone can have a online store, but what sets yours apart from the others. That’s when I started brainstorming and came up with what we have today. A combination of my love of fashion and helping others.

Describe the process of launching the business.

Ha! I had this idea that I was going to sell out of everything in hours. Boy was I wrong. I stocked them high and they didn’t fly. I felt good about my assortment, didn’t really have marketing down, but was active on social media and giving sneak peaks and countdowns until launch. Being a online store, I worked on making sure my packaging looked good as this would be my first introduction to my clients.

Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?

Social media and email marketing. Majority of my traffic comes from social media, so it’s super important for me to continue to build and maintain that channel and convert those followers to my email list to retain them.

How are you doing today and what does the future look like?

Today I’m doing okay. Although I’ve been in business for 6 years, there’s so much more to do and accomplish. In my future I still see a store front that is apart of a community that supports others in need. I see expansion in my Exclusively Ours collection and continued growth online.

Through starting the business, have you learned anything particularly helpful or advantageous?

I knew this already but I really understood this through this from starting my business, and that’s that you have to do what’s best for you and what will help you reach your goals. You will get TONS of advice and direction and you really have to know and learn how to weed things out. You will drive yourself crazy trying to do everything someone thinks is good for you or your brand.

What platform/tools do you use for your business?

Shopify is the end all be all when it comes to my business. It was extremely easy to build my site and continue to update and maintain it.

What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?

I’m always on the go, so podcast are my go to. The Side Hustle Show, Myleik,Optimal Startup Daily, Shopify Masters, Side Hustle Pro.

Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?

1: Just start, stopping making excuses , just get started.

2nd: It’s a hard one, but don’t compare yourself to other brands or people. Different strokes for different folks.

3: Don’t give up, it’s not easy.

Where can we go to learn more?

Mymissionlane.com or on our Instagram , @mymissionlane