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

Tory, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

Looking back, I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I had started my business sooner. But ultimately, I believe I started at the right time for me. I launched Khoade during a pivotal moment in my life—I was working a corporate job, feeling the pull to create something of my own, and experiencing a personal wake-up call when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. That moment solidified my desire to have more freedom and control over my life, and it gave me the push I needed to finally take the leap.

If I had started earlier, I might not have had the same level of experience, resources, or confidence to navigate the challenges of running a business. If I had waited longer, I might have stayed stuck in my comfort zone, always finding a reason to postpone my dream.

Starting when I did meant I had the right balance of motivation, knowledge, and personal drive. While the journey hasn’t been easy, I wouldn’t change the timing. Everything happened the way it needed to, and I’m grateful for where I am today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! I’m Tory the founder of Khoade, a brand that blends function and fashion with hair ties that double as bracelets. I’ve always loved hair and hair accessories, and I wanted to create something that’s not only practical but also stylish—something that makes people feel put together, even on their busiest days.

I got into this industry because I believe that small details can make a big difference. Hair ties are something almost everyone carries, yet they’re often overlooked as just another necessity. I wanted to change that by offering a product that feels intentional—beautiful enough to wear on your wrist while still being sturdy and reliable when you need to tie your hair up.

My journey to starting this business wasn’t straightforward. I’ve worked in the corporate world, and for years, I dreamed of starting something of my own but always found reasons to wait. It wasn’t until my mom was diagnosed with cancer that I truly understood how precious time and freedom are. That was my turning point—I wanted to build something that would give me the flexibility to be with my family whenever I needed to, without waiting for someone else’s approval.

What sets Khoade apart is the thoughtful combination of quality, style, and everyday functionality. Our hair ties aren’t just cute; they’re durable, comfortable, and made for real life. I take pride in testing every product to ensure it’s something I would personally love and use.

The thing I’m most proud of is the community that’s forming around this brand. The feedback I’ve received from customers keeps me going. Whether it’s a busy mom who loves that our hair ties make her feel effortlessly put together, an office worker who appreciates a polished look without extra effort, or an adventurer who needs something reliable and stylish—I love hearing how these small accessories make a difference in people’s daily lives.

What I want the world to know is that Khoade is more than just hair ties—it’s about making everyday essentials a little more special. It’s about confidence, convenience, and creativity. I want my customers to feel good about what they wear, even in the simplest moments.

If you’ve ever wanted an accessory that works as hard as you do—one that’s both practical and stylish—Khoade was made for you.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

Yes, I sell on my own website, and I love having full control over it. One of the biggest advantages is that it’s completely mine—I can design it however I want, create a unique shopping experience, and market my products in a way that aligns with my brand. I’m not limited by the rules or restrictions of third-party platforms, which gives me the freedom to grow my business on my own terms.

However, one of the challenges of running my own e-commerce site is visibility. Platforms like Etsy and Amazon already have massive built-in audiences, making it easier for people to discover products without much effort. When someone is looking for a unique, creative item, they often go straight to Etsy. If they need something fast, Amazon is their go-to. With my own website, I have to work harder to drive traffic and build brand awareness—but in the long run, it allows me to create a more personal connection with my customers and grow a loyal community around my brand.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

I had to find a vendor to manufacture my products, and it took a long time to find the right one for me and my business. I’m very intentional about what I offer, so I didn’t want to rush into selling something without thoroughly testing it first. I make sure I love every product before bringing it to my customers.

Along the way, I’ve learned some tough lessons—one of the biggest being that not all vendors are trustworthy. There were times when I paid for products only to receive items that were lower quality than the original sample or in completely wrong colors. It was frustrating, but those experiences taught me the importance of finding reliable partners.

Even though the process took time, I’m now happy with the vendors I work with. I’ve built strong relationships with manufacturers who meet my quality standards, and that makes all the difference in creating products I’m proud to sell.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://khoade.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khoade_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Khoade/61552271410932/

Image Credits

Justin Litchfield