How I Built This with Guy Raz KiwiCo: Sandra Oh Lin
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Dec 25, 2023 Sandra Oh Lin, Founder and CEO of KiwiCo, transformed an inspirational hobby into a billion-dollar venture. She discusses quitting her tech career to create fun, educational projects for kids, which sparked the idea for her subscription box service. Sandra shares her journey testing ideas with children, navigating Silicon Valley’s tough funding landscape, and overcoming early financial hurdles. Her vision for KiwiCo aims to inspire hands-on learning and grow it to a household name like LEGO.
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Early Entrepreneurial Roots
- Sandra's parents immigrated to the U.S. from Korea with little money, her mother becoming a seamstress and childcare provider.
- Later, they started a family business selling troll dolls, which Sandra named "Wonderland."
Pre-KiwiCo Startup Idea
- After having children, Sandra considered leading a fashion-focused startup that provided feedback on outfits and style.
- This experience proved valuable when pitching KiwiCo to investors.
Childhood Inspiration
- Sandra's mom fostered her creativity with hands-on projects using everyday materials.
- Inspired by this, Sandra began similar projects with her own kids and friends.