Jane Lu, CEO of Showpo, talks online retail. Catch her at Online Fashion Success in June.
What is your previous experience in the fashion industry?
I didn’t have any! I think that helped though as I tackled every business problem with a consumer mindset rather than a background in the fashion industry.
What is your day to day role?
Haha where do I start!? Because Showpo is growing so fast, on the one hand I’m leading the business and on the other I’m filling in the gaps where things need to be done but we don’t have a role for someone to fill yet. Every day is really different but I get the most involved in marketing aspects as that’s what I’m most interested in.
What is the most rewarding aspect?
Having a great team I get to work with every day and such amazing, loyal customers that all make up this wonderful community. The fact that I get up in the morning excited to go to work is pretty damn special!
What about the most challenging?
Managing team members that aren’t performing to our standards. I’m really good friends with my team so it can be really difficult to have tough conversations sometimes. I just keep in mind that I can’t let personal feelings hinder the entire team and business.
What is your proudest moment at the company?
December 2016 is the first thing that comes to mind. I was absolutely blown away by the team, we all partied so hard but got so much great work done, we kicked so many serious goals! Before we split for Christmas break I looked at the sales figures and then around at the bunch of weary heads still smiling and just thought ‘I found my tribe’.
What do you see as the biggest change in the industry?
The benefits artificial intelligence will bring to consumers.
What do you see as the biggest change ahead?
We’re growing from a startup to a proper company and that takes time to get used to. I don’t want what we have and our ways have to change as we get bigger.