We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Olivia Hollaus. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Olivia below.
Olivia, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
My product really stemmed from wanting to improve the way we care for our shoes. When I had that ‘aha!’ moment, I honestly didn’t analyze much after that – which is good and not so good. Looking back, it was good because I dove straight into figuring out how to turn the idea into a reality without thinking much about the risks that every entrepreneur is faced with. However, now as a more seasoned business owner, I definitely encourage some analysis before taking that plunge. It took 4 months to create the prototype in-house. Our shoe stuffers are handmade with just the right amount of organic cotton filling, but we had to figure out all those product details. Simultaneously, I worked with an IP attorney to file both the design and utility patents. Now, I needed funding for all of this. Fortunately, I did own a coveted Birkin which I sold in order to have to cover the expenses for the prototype, patents, first collection of shoe stuffers, and e-commerce site. About 7 months later, I launched ProtectMyShoes.com in November of 2016.
Olivia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I fell into my world because of my shoe addiction. Before founding Protect My Shoes, I lived in Beijing for 10 years working in marketing and research. That is an entire story in and of itself. My adventure in China stemmed from my undergrad studies at the University Florida where I dual majored in Political Science and Mandarin Chinese. Long story short, I studied abroad in Beijing and the rest is history. I was determined to fluently speak Mandarin.
Fast forward to Protect My Shoes… I have always had a love for fashion, specifically shoes. One morning, I took out a brand new pair of pumps out of the shoe box and just took notice of all the tissue paper overflowing from the shoes and the box. There just had to be a better way to protect our shoes in a more stylish yet eco-friendly way. The paper is not only wasteful, but it’s also not appealing and long-lasting. Hence, I proudly invented the patented ‘shoe stuffer’.
Frankly speaking, the entrepreneurial path is a bumpy one, but what I’m most proud of is the fact that I had the courage to take that leap and bring an idea to fruition. Every single detail of my brand is a reflection of me. We also give back to our community in various ways and are strong advocates in supporting other women.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I think I show resilience on a daily basis. Pitching one’s products to buyers, brands, boutiques, and other sales channels is challenging. More often than not, replies don’t come back. However, I continue to persist day in day out with emails, messages, establishing new relationships, forging collaborations, and pushing myself to think outside of the box. One tool that I’ve utilized to ‘stand out’ is by sending personalized video message greetings. I personally think it’s always nice to put a face to a name. We live in such a digital world that it’s easy to forget that there is someone behind the correspondence.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I pivot all the time! I associate entrepreneurship to a school of fish because when opportunities arise, you have to swim toward them.
Last year, I pivoted big time because I left my full time job as Director of Events & Community Relations at a local lifestyle magazine to 100% focus on growing my brand. When I took this position, I thought it was possible to have a job and run a business, giving them both the same amount of attention. Needless to say, the time came to make a decision to fully commit to my vision and I’m happy to share that it was a great decision. Not only am I able to devote my attention to Protect My Shoes, but I’m also able to make my two young boys my #1 priority. They are my biggest inspiration. I want them to look back and be proud of their mommy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ProtectMyShoes.com
- Instagram: @ProtectMyShoes
- Facebook: @ProtectMyShoes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviahollaus/