We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kurt Rajavong. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kurt below.

Kurt, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?

When I consider what it takes to be successful, I think it’s important to start by acknowledging that I don’t see myself as being successful yet. I view success as a journey, not a destination, and I’m still on that journey, learning and growing every day. To me, success is about resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. It’s not about where you are now, but about the direction you’re moving in.

There have been many times in my journey where things didn’t go as planned. I remember a particular instance early in my career when I took on a project that was way out of my comfort zone. When my family and I started Utmost Province, I had no idea what I was doing in the beginning. Everyday felt like I was in college again, pulling a all-nighter for an exam. From teaching myself about SEO, marketing strategies, PPC, KPI’s, and the craft of custom apparel. Many times it knocked me down and had me wondering why I chose the apparel industry. But looking back, I realize the setbacks were pivotal moments for me. It taught me the importance of resilience, of picking myself up after a setback, and of learning from my mistakes.

Commitment has been another key aspect of my journey. Starting something new, whether it’s a project or a career change (for me it was selling on new platforms and learning KPI’s and making decision based on the data you’re given), requires a leap of faith. It’s about having the courage to begin. Once you begin, you must be committed in order to progress. As you progress consistency is what keeps you going, and without consistency you will never finish. I believe that It’s the small, everyday efforts that, over time, accumulate into significant progress. I’ve had my share of days when I questioned my path, but it’s the commitment to my goals that keeps me anchored.

I also believe in the power of the people you surround yourself with. You here it in almost every interview with successful people. Most of them mention “the people you surround yourself with”. In my journey thus far I’ve been fortunate to have the support of my family, friends, and customers. Their guidance, support, and honest feedback have been invaluable. They remind me that the path to success isn’t a lonely journey, it’s a collective effort.

In my opinion, the most successful people are the risk-takers. They’re not afraid to fail, because the valuable thing that comes with failure is growth. You can get knocked down 8 times, get back up 9. With commitment and consistency, anyone can become successful and achieve their goals. So far on my journey I’ve learned that risk and failure are essential part to growth. Stepping out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and adapting to change are critical for e-commerce and the apparel industry.

If there’s one thing I could tell others who are questioning themselves or lost in their journey to success and achieving their goals it would be quote I saw the other day, “For every experience, both the good and the bad, will eventually get you where you are suppose to be. Every win, every loss, and every mistake. Don’t be afraid to mess up and don’t expect success overnight. Get lost then find yourself over and over again. Learn to enjoy the process of your journey. Remember, the people who like to walk will walk further than the people who just enjoy the destination.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey, while unique in its own right, has been profoundly shaped by the unwavering support and love of my family. Saginaw, Texas, is more than just my hometown; it’s a place where the values of family, resilience, and hard work were ingrained in me from a young age. My parents and my sister Stacy have been instrumental in every step of my path, serving as my support system, role models, and heroes.

My parents, who themselves are immigrants, have a story of struggle and triumph. Their journey to success, marked by hard work and perseverance, has been a source of immense inspiration to me. My father was a engineer who eventually start his own fright company, and my sister Stacy, a CFO, exemplify what it means to turn challenges into opportunities. Their experiences taught me the importance of resilience and the value of hard work.

Their influence extends beyond just moral support; they have been actively involved in helping me with our family business, Utmost Province. Whether it’s assisting with packing orders or taking the time to discuss strategies and ideas, their involvement is a daily reminder of their commitment to our success. They embody what I consider true success – not just in their achievements but in their dedication to family and their unwavering support for each other.

This family-first approach is a cornerstone of my values and has been a guiding principle throughout my life. When I faced challenges after leaving Oklahoma University and felt lost, it was the support of my family that provided a sense of direction and comfort. Similarly, during times of heartbreak and isolation, it was their encouragement and understanding that helped me find my footing again.

The decision to pursue my love for art and eventually transition to selling custom artwork on Etsy was bolstered by their belief in me. This journey, from navigating the complexities of Amazon PPC and SEO to embracing my artistic passion on Etsy, has been enriched by their guidance and support.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to my parents, sister Stacy, my niece and nephew, my friends Anthony, Matt, and Morgan. They, along with the community in Saginaw, have been my bedrock. Their roles in my life have been immeasurable, as have the lessons they’ve taught me about resilience, family, and the pursuit of passion. On my journey to one day become successful, I’ve learned that instead of focusing focusing on the people who left. Focus on those who stayed and the one who appreciate and respect you. Focus on the people who empower you and make your life beautiful. you are surrounded by human beings who know that they want you in their life, never take them for granted.

To my potential customers, I want them to know that my story is one of family, resilience, and the transformative power of art. It’s a narrative deeply rooted in the values instilled by my family and community. My journey is a testament to the idea that with support, hard work, and a strong foundation, any challenge can be overcome and any dream can be pursued. Our brand Utmost Province and my creations are not just products; they are reflections of this journey, embodying the lessons learned and the love and support that have made it all possible.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

In managing a team and maintaining high morale, I’ve learned that the energy of a leader is contagious. When facing setbacks, it’s crucial to transform challenges into opportunities for growth rather than letting them breed negativity. As a business owner, I understand my responsibility in setting the tone for my team. I firmly believe in uplifting rather than demoralizing, because I know firsthand how detrimental put-downs can be. Everyone’s journey is fraught with mistakes, and it’s how we handle these errors that defines our environment. I advocate for compassion and understanding – often, a kind word can turn a mistake into a learning moment.

My approach is to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Creating a space where team members can freely express themselves and contribute ideas is vital. This inclusive culture not only enhances creativity but also strengthens our collective journey towards success.

Another core belief of mine is prioritizing the well-being of my team over short-term gains. During challenging economic times, I chose to reduce my own compensation instead of impacting my team’s livelihood. This decision stemmed not from a disregard for material gains but from a deep-seated value of selflessness, instilled in me by my family. Their sacrifices have been my guiding light, teaching me that true leadership is about putting others first.

Moreover, in business partnerships, like with my parents, sister, brother, uncle Michael and aunt Touni, trust is paramount. They, along with my entire team, are my ‘whys’ – the reason I persevere. I don’t need a written reminder; their belief in me is a constant source of motivation. It’s a trust I strive to honor every day, ensuring that every decision I make contributes to our shared success.

Lead with empathy, prioritize your team’s well-being, and remember that your actions and words leave lasting impressions. Success is not just about reaching a destination but about the journey you take with your team, and the environment you cultivate along the way.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele, particularly in the apparel industry, has been a harmonious blend of genuine marketing, authenticity, and unwavering transparency.

A pivotal aspect of our approach is how we handle product photography. I’ve always been skeptical of using mock-ups, as they often don’t convey the true essence of the product. We strive to show our customers authentic images. This is where my friend Morgan, a passionate photographer who runs her own business, has been invaluable. Her love for photography and travel perfectly aligns with our brand’s aesthetics. Whenever she travels, she takes our products along, capturing them in natural settings. This not only brings authenticity to our brand but also ensures transparency. Our customers see real, unedited images of the products they are considering, which I believe is fundamental in today’s digital shopping experience.

Moreover, when it comes to listing details, we ensure absolute honesty. Every product description is a true reflection of what we offer. This level of candor has been crucial in building trust with our clientele.

Our focus on social media marketing, especially given the constraints of a small business budget, has been remarkably effective. We’ve capitalized on the ubiquity of mobile phones and the power of social media to reach our audience. Understanding and leveraging key performance indicators (KPIs) has been essential in our ecommerce strategy, aiding us in fine-tuning our approach based on customer behavior and preferences.

Additionally, SEO and mobile optimization have been vital in ensuring our products are easily discoverable and accessible. We’ve prioritized mobile-friendly design in our website development, acknowledging the shift towards mobile browsing and shopping.

Central to all these strategies is our customer-first approach. From thoughtful packaging to responsive customer service, we endeavor to make each customer feel valued and important. Don’t think of them as customers but more of a family, your family. We believe that this approach not only satisfies our customers but also encourages positive reviews and ratings, contributing significantly to our business growth.

In essence, our success at Utmost Province can be attributed to a combination of strategic digital marketing, genuine product representation, and a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction. This blend of modern marketing techniques and traditional values of honesty and customer care has set us on the right path to success.

Contact Info:

• Website: utmostprovince.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utmostprovince/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/utmostprovince/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCky_1dMpI1RyqULU-GiOk4g
• Other: www.utmostprovince.com https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/534094C4-C49B-4BF4-B718-05DF95124A25 https://www.tiktok.com/@utmostprovince

Image Credits
Utmost Province Flannel photo Morgan Allen Product Photos Morgan Allen and Kurt Rajavong