Meet Nadia Lee | Co-Founder & CEO of Kollectin

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nadia Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nadia, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The ides for Kollectin takes me back to the very start of my journey in the fashion industry. Following my graduation from Scripps College, I dove headfirst into the world of fashion by launching a jewelry business named Adia Kibur. This early venture was both a dream come true and a formidable challenge. It exposed me to the stark realities of the fashion industry, particularly the significant barriers to entry for newcomers. These barriers were not just about financial investment but also encompassed the need for deep industry knowledge and extensive networks, elements I found myself grappling with due to limited resources and experience.

As I eventually built Adia Kibur into a top private label fulfillment business, creating collections for major retailers and department stores, it made me acutely aware of the hurdles that many women face when they aspire to enter the fashion industry. It was not just my struggle but a universal challenge that needed a modern solution. This realization was the catalyst for Kollectin. I envisioned a platform that could use technology to break down these barriers, making it straightforward for women to start their online fashion businesses. We wanted to create an ecosystem that was not just easy to use but also removed the traditional obstacles that many entrepreneurs face.

Kollectin was designed to be more than just a business platform; it was conceived as a tool for empowerment. By leveraging technology, we aimed to provide a seamless and supportive environment where aspiring fashion entrepreneurs could start their online businesses without the daunting barriers that once stood in my way. Our goal was to democratize the process of starting a fashion business, making it accessible, efficient, and, most importantly, equitable.

In essence, Kollectin is a reflection of a personal mission to transform the fashion industry from the inside out. It’s about providing opportunities and resources to those who, like me at the start of my career, have a passion for fashion but face systemic barriers. Through Kollectin, we’re not just helping individuals start businesses; we’re fostering a community of empowered women entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark in the fashion world.

What should our readers know about your business?
Kollectin is a social store platform designed to revolutionize the way women approach entrepreneurship in the fashion industry. What sets us apart is our commitment to democratizing fashion entrepreneurship by providing an accessible, user-friendly app for women to easily launch and grow their online fashion businesses. Our platform uniquely combines technology with a supportive community, empowering users to create, curate, and sell fashion collections with ease.

The journey to where Kollectin stands today has been anything but easy. Like many startups, we faced our fair share of challenges, from securing funding to building a user-friendly platform that genuinely meets our users’ needs. The process involved countless iterations, feedback sessions, and learning from every setback. Overcoming these challenges required resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in our mission. We stayed closely connected to our community, listening to their feedback and evolving our platform to better serve their needs.

One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is the importance of community. Kollectin isn’t just a platform; it’s a community of passionate, creative women who support and inspire each other. This sense of community has been pivotal in overcoming challenges and has shaped the direction and growth of our business.

I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built and the impact Kollectin has had on empowering women entrepreneurs. Our users’ success stories are what excite me the most—seeing them grow their businesses, gain confidence, and achieve their dreams through our platform is deeply rewarding.

Business-wise, our growth can be attributed to our deep domain expertise in fashion. Which provided a solid foundation for us to carve out an unique opportunity in a space that often times lack innovation.

I want the world to know that Kollectin is more than a business; it’s a movement towards inclusivity and empowerment in the fashion industry. Our story is one of perseverance, community, and the transformative power of technology to break down barriers. At Kollectin, we’re not just selling fashion; we’re building a platform where every woman has the opportunity to be an entrepreneur and create her own success story.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Having grew up mostly in the San Marino and surrounding areas, I’d ensure the trip was an unforgettable blend of culture, nature, and culinary delights. We’d start by walking from my house to immersing ourselves in the serene beauty of the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, a perfect introduction to the area’s rich heritage. Dining will be next on the agenda, and Din Tai Fung is a must for their dumplings in my area. No visit would be complete without exploring the Greene & Greene house in Pasadena, one of my favorite architectural gems in LA.

Throughout the week, leisurely days would be balanced with exciting explorations of nearby Los Angeles, from coastal drives to discovering latest fashion on Melrose and Robinson while dwelling in the city’s bustling food markets and stylish wine bars. The Walt Disney Concert hall is a must to enjoy music performances, it is a one-of-a-kind experience that will be sure to capture imagination. Venice beach will surely be on the list, it’s the marquee LA destination even Barbie will be proud of.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The journey of Kollectin isn’t just my story—it’s a collective narrative shaped by an incredible group of individuals. First and foremost, my team deserves immense recognition. This isn’t just a group of employees; they’re innovators, dreamers, and relentless hard workers who have been instrumental in bringing the vision of Kollectin to life. Their dedication and passion fuel our daily operations and long-term goals.

I must also extend my deepest gratitude to my family. Their unwavering support and belief in me, even during the most challenging times, have been my rock. Their encouragement has been a constant reminder of why I started on this path in the first place.

Our investors, too, deserve a special mention. Without their faith in Kollectin and their readiness to support an innovative but unproven idea, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Their commitment goes beyond financial backing; they provide invaluable guidance and insight that have been crucial to our growth and success.

Most importantly, I want to shoutout to the women who have embraced Kollectin. These incredible entrepreneurs and customers have turned our platform into a vibrant community. Their stories of success, resilience, and creativity are what Kollectin is all about. They’ve not only made Kollectin what it is today but also shape what it will become tomorrow.

Website: www.kollectin.com

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-lee-kollectin/

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