We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karin Tala a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Karin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
One of the things my parents did right was not indulging my every desire. They taught me the importance of working for what I wanted. From a young age, I had to put in effort and earn things for myself. By the time I reached around 17 years old, I stopped relying on my parents for help and money. This newfound independence was incredibly empowering.
Learning to do things on my own without constantly seeking assistance was a liberating experience. It taught me the value of independence and self-reliance. I realized that money doesn’t come easily and that it requires hard work and perseverance. Some days were tough, but those experiences were essential in teaching me the importance of money and how to manage it wisely.
As I became more financially stable, I allowed myself to indulge in some luxuries and enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle. However, the satisfaction derived from these experiences was much greater because I knew I had earned them through my own efforts.
Appreciating the things that come easily in life is challenging. It is crucial to believe in oneself because that belief can inspire others to believe in us as well. My parents’ unwavering belief in me played a significant role in shaping who I am today.
Discovering who we are and what we want to be is one of the greatest challenges in life. However, if there is something we truly desire, it is essential to take that leap of faith and pursue it, even if success is not guaranteed. The act of trying and putting in the effort is what truly matters.
In conclusion, my parents’ decision to not give me everything I wanted and instead instill the value of hard work and independence has had a profound impact on my life. It has taught me the importance of earning and appreciating what I have, believing in myself, and embracing the challenges that come with personal growth.
Karin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
After immersing myself in the fashion industry for nearly 12 years, I have developed a deep appreciation for various styles, trends, and designs. The joy I experience comes from witnessing individuals confidently explore different fashion choices while staying true to themselves. My primary focus has been on wholesale clothing, collaborating with vendors from around the globe. Through these partnerships, I have cultivated strong connections with manufacturing companies that supply clothing to some of the biggest brands in the industry.
While working in the wholesale sector has allowed me to be creatively engaged and well-connected, I felt a limitation in my ability to sell directly to consumers or offer my products to friends. To overcome this challenge, I took the bold step of launching my own fashion and apparel brand called FCKDUPGENERATION, based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. Each and every product we offer is meticulously handcrafted in Los Angeles, infusing our brand with a touch of authenticity and highlighting the remarkable craftsmanship of our local community.
Through FCKDUPGENERATION, I have been able to sell our unique collections to my friends and a wider audience who have warmly embraced our brand. We pride ourselves on offering exclusive collections, introducing new drops every few months to maintain an air of exclusivity around our products.
The fashion business is a thrilling industry filled with endless possibilities. It allows for boundless creativity and exploration. For me, fashion is not just about clothing; it is a means to inspire individuals to embrace their true selves and express their unique personalities. I firmly believe in the power of self-expression through fashion and strive to create pieces that encourage people to feel confident and authentic.
My journey in the fashion business has enabled me to establish valuable connections with vendors, nurture my creativity, and ultimately launch my own brand. Through FCKDUPGENERATION, my aim is to inspire individuals to embrace their true selves and celebrate their individuality through the world of fashion.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Starting a business is an exhilarating experience, filled with excitement and the desire to do everything on your own. However, along the way, I have come to learn that it is impossible to handle every aspect of the business by yourself. It is perfectly okay to seek help and assistance. There may be moments of fear and uncertainty, especially when you have invested a significant amount of time and money into your business, and it may not be progressing as you envisioned. It can be overwhelming and confusing during these times.
But it is important to remember that you do not have to know every step of the journey in advance. It is okay to not have all the answers because there are people out there who do and can provide guidance. It is common for some to hesitate when it comes to hiring others, whether it is due to a desire for control or financial concerns. However, if you want to build a successful business, you will need help and you will have to invest in resources.
I used to believe that I had to do everything myself, and it ended up taking a toll on both my business and myself. I tried to juggle multiple roles, and while I may not have been skilled in all of them, I felt overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility. It was during this time that I realized it is impossible to do it all, and that’s perfectly fine. It is important to recognize your limitations and seek out individuals who can complement your skills and fill the gaps in your knowledge.
Building a team takes time and patience. Not everyone you hire will be the perfect fit, but if you don’t start the hiring process, you will never find the key players you need for your team to thrive. As the person who knows the ins and outs of your business, you will eventually learn who to hire. It is crucial to continuously push yourself and keep going, even when faced with challenges. With the right team by your side, you can achieve greater success and growth.
I have learned that it is okay to ask for help and seek assistance in running a business. Trying to do everything on your own can be overwhelming and hinder your progress. Building a team is essential for growth, and while it may be scary or challenging at times, it is a necessary step towards building a successful business.
Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?
interrupted and disrupted by a global pandemic. It was an incredibly challenging time for me and my business. The pandemic brought about unprecedented circumstances and uncertainties that I had never anticipated. The impact of the pandemic on my business was immense. With lockdowns, restrictions, and social distancing measures in place, many businesses, including mine, were forced to close or severely limit their operations. It was a devastating blow, both financially and emotionally. All the hard work and investment I had put into my business seemed to be crumbling before my eyes.
I decided to pivot my business and explore new opportunities aligned with my passion. I started researching and brainstorming ideas, trying to find a way to utilize my skills and interests in a way that would be financially sustainable. This is where I came up with the idea FCKDUPGENERATION, a brand that aims to provide lounge wear that combines comfort with style.
While the pandemic was undoubtedly a challenging time for me and my business, it also provided an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. It pushed me to think outside the box, explore new avenues, and discover a passion that I may not have fully pursued otherwise.
Now, as I continue to navigate the uncertainties of the post-pandemic world, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and the resilience I have developed. I have a renewed sense of purpose and a business that aligns with my true passions. I am excited to see where this journey takes me and how I can continue to make a positive impact through my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: FCKDUPGENERATION.COM
- Instagram: @fckdupgeneration
- Facebook: FCKDUPGENERATION