The Rise of Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: Stories of Resilience and Innovation
October 9, 2024, 10:34 pm
Location: United States, Missouri, High Ridge Township
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 2005
Total raised: $427M
In a world buzzing with startups and side hustles, two stories stand out. They are tales of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, where passion meets practicality. Louise Doyle and Karen Frederick are not just business owners; they are architects of meaningful connections. Their journeys reveal the essence of resilience, creativity, and the power of community.
Louise Doyle, the founder of Needi, saw a gap in the gifting market. She and her co-founder, Steph Scholes, worked in a global social enterprise. They faced a common challenge: how to motivate a team without deep pockets. The answer lay in thoughtful gifting. They sourced unique items from platforms like Etsy and Amazon, but delivery was often a headache. Gifts arrived late, wrapped poorly, or not at all. This frustration sparked an idea. What if they could create a marketplace that made gifting seamless and special?
Needi was born from this vision. It’s more than a business; it’s a mission to foster authentic connections. Doyle believes in gifts that matter, not just trinkets that end up in the back of a closet. The inspiration came from personal experiences. A cleaner gifted during her pregnancy made her feel human again amidst the chaos. This sparked a desire to provide gifts that resonate with the recipient's needs.
Starting a marketplace is like juggling flaming torches. Doyle faced the classic chicken-and-egg dilemma: attract merchants or clients first? The answer was both. They built relationships with merchants while simultaneously courting clients. Honesty was their compass. They communicated their vision clearly, even when the website was sparse. Trust was their currency. They exceeded expectations, creating a network of satisfied clients and merchants.
Funding was another mountain to climb. With no initial capital, they turned to networking. They shared their journey, showcasing their market fit through sales and partnerships. Gradually, they attracted investors. Their pitch deck became a beacon, illuminating their dedication and hard work. They navigated the fundraising landscape with the same tenacity they applied to building their business.
Failure? It’s a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. Both Doyle and Scholes come from sales backgrounds, where rejection is part of the game. They learned to bounce back, supporting each other through tough times. Their mantra? Keep your eyes on the horizon. Kindness and resilience pave the path to success.
Now, let’s shift gears to Karen Frederick, the founder of Kole Jax Designs. Her journey began with a Facebook page and a desire for a fulfilling career. As a stay-at-home mom, she wanted to monetize her passion for jewelry while being present for her children. The name of her brand reflects her sons’ middle names, intertwining family and business.
Frederick’s first steps were hands-on. She taught herself to cut glass and solder through YouTube tutorials. An Etsy shop followed, along with a Facebook page that quickly gained traction. Her strategy? Engage with her audience. Giveaways and regular posts turned followers into customers. The power of social media became her ally.
However, the road wasn’t always smooth. Frederick faced the challenge of maintaining a steady flow of customers. She dove into social media marketing, learning the ropes of Meta’s advertising platform. A call from Facebook introduced her to a Meta Pro, who guided her through the complexities of online advertising. This mentorship proved invaluable, helping her refine her strategy.
Within a year, Frederick saw consistent revenue. Three years in, she hit six figures. The growth didn’t stop there. By 2018, Kole Jax Designs reached its first seven-figure year. Frederick credits Meta’s advancements in AI for streamlining her marketing efforts, allowing her to focus on creativity and product development.
What fuels Frederick’s passion? It’s the joy of creativity and the impact her designs have on others. She loves hearing stories of how her jewelry touches hearts. Moreover, she’s instilling a sense of entrepreneurship in her sons, showing them the value of hard work and creativity.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: just start. Don’t overthink it. There’s no perfect moment to launch a business. Embrace change and learn from failures. Invest in yourself and remember your “why” when challenges arise.
Both Doyle and Frederick exemplify the spirit of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. They navigate the turbulent waters of business with resilience and creativity. Their stories remind us that success isn’t just about profits; it’s about making a difference. They build connections, foster community, and inspire others to follow their dreams.
In a landscape filled with noise, these entrepreneurs shine like beacons. They show us that with passion, dedication, and a clear vision, it’s possible to create businesses that resonate deeply with people. The world needs more purpose-driven ventures. It’s time to embrace the journey and make a meaningful impact.
Louise Doyle, the founder of Needi, saw a gap in the gifting market. She and her co-founder, Steph Scholes, worked in a global social enterprise. They faced a common challenge: how to motivate a team without deep pockets. The answer lay in thoughtful gifting. They sourced unique items from platforms like Etsy and Amazon, but delivery was often a headache. Gifts arrived late, wrapped poorly, or not at all. This frustration sparked an idea. What if they could create a marketplace that made gifting seamless and special?
Needi was born from this vision. It’s more than a business; it’s a mission to foster authentic connections. Doyle believes in gifts that matter, not just trinkets that end up in the back of a closet. The inspiration came from personal experiences. A cleaner gifted during her pregnancy made her feel human again amidst the chaos. This sparked a desire to provide gifts that resonate with the recipient's needs.
Starting a marketplace is like juggling flaming torches. Doyle faced the classic chicken-and-egg dilemma: attract merchants or clients first? The answer was both. They built relationships with merchants while simultaneously courting clients. Honesty was their compass. They communicated their vision clearly, even when the website was sparse. Trust was their currency. They exceeded expectations, creating a network of satisfied clients and merchants.
Funding was another mountain to climb. With no initial capital, they turned to networking. They shared their journey, showcasing their market fit through sales and partnerships. Gradually, they attracted investors. Their pitch deck became a beacon, illuminating their dedication and hard work. They navigated the fundraising landscape with the same tenacity they applied to building their business.
Failure? It’s a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. Both Doyle and Scholes come from sales backgrounds, where rejection is part of the game. They learned to bounce back, supporting each other through tough times. Their mantra? Keep your eyes on the horizon. Kindness and resilience pave the path to success.
Now, let’s shift gears to Karen Frederick, the founder of Kole Jax Designs. Her journey began with a Facebook page and a desire for a fulfilling career. As a stay-at-home mom, she wanted to monetize her passion for jewelry while being present for her children. The name of her brand reflects her sons’ middle names, intertwining family and business.
Frederick’s first steps were hands-on. She taught herself to cut glass and solder through YouTube tutorials. An Etsy shop followed, along with a Facebook page that quickly gained traction. Her strategy? Engage with her audience. Giveaways and regular posts turned followers into customers. The power of social media became her ally.
However, the road wasn’t always smooth. Frederick faced the challenge of maintaining a steady flow of customers. She dove into social media marketing, learning the ropes of Meta’s advertising platform. A call from Facebook introduced her to a Meta Pro, who guided her through the complexities of online advertising. This mentorship proved invaluable, helping her refine her strategy.
Within a year, Frederick saw consistent revenue. Three years in, she hit six figures. The growth didn’t stop there. By 2018, Kole Jax Designs reached its first seven-figure year. Frederick credits Meta’s advancements in AI for streamlining her marketing efforts, allowing her to focus on creativity and product development.
What fuels Frederick’s passion? It’s the joy of creativity and the impact her designs have on others. She loves hearing stories of how her jewelry touches hearts. Moreover, she’s instilling a sense of entrepreneurship in her sons, showing them the value of hard work and creativity.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: just start. Don’t overthink it. There’s no perfect moment to launch a business. Embrace change and learn from failures. Invest in yourself and remember your “why” when challenges arise.
Both Doyle and Frederick exemplify the spirit of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. They navigate the turbulent waters of business with resilience and creativity. Their stories remind us that success isn’t just about profits; it’s about making a difference. They build connections, foster community, and inspire others to follow their dreams.
In a landscape filled with noise, these entrepreneurs shine like beacons. They show us that with passion, dedication, and a clear vision, it’s possible to create businesses that resonate deeply with people. The world needs more purpose-driven ventures. It’s time to embrace the journey and make a meaningful impact.