#218: Karla Gallardo, CEO of Cuyana – Dream big, then start small
Dec 19, 2024
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Karla Gallardo, co-founder and CEO of Cuyana, shares her journey from investment banking to building a sustainable fashion brand. She emphasizes dreaming big but starting small, offering insights on product quality and customer loyalty. Karla highlights the importance of not prioritizing sales at all costs and shares valuable lessons on attracting investors. She reflects on Ecuadorian cultural contrasts in consumer habits and reveals how identifying customer problems can guide business focus, all while embracing community and heritage.
Starting with big dreams requires taking small, actionable steps and embracing fear as a catalyst for productive action.
Cuyana's commitment to sustainability and quality fosters brand loyalty by encouraging consumers to make intentional purchasing decisions.
Deep dives
Embracing Big Ideas with Small Steps
Starting with big dreams can often feel overwhelming, but taking small, actionable steps is crucial for bringing those ideas to life. Acknowledging the fear that comes with ambitious goals can help individuals channel that energy into productive action. Entrepreneurs can learn valuable lessons throughout their journey, regardless of how small the initial steps may seem. By beginning with a minimum viable product, like Kuyana started with a line of hats, one can ultimately evolve into a more significant, impactful venture.
The Principle of 'Fewer, Better' in Retail
Kuyana operates on the philosophy of selling fewer, high-quality products designed to last, which contrasts with the often transient nature of fast fashion. This approach emphasizes sustainability and encourages consumers to make more intentional purchasing decisions while supporting timeless design. By focusing on quality, Kuyana aims not only to create lasting products but also to foster a culture of mindful consumption. Through this commitment, the brand seeks to shape the retail industry by promoting higher standards for product quality and environmental sustainability.
Importance of Trust and Relationship Building
Building strong relationships with customers is essential for creating brand loyalty and trust, which ultimately drives long-term success. Kuyana prioritizes customer experiences where purchases should represent a true love for the product rather than impulsive decisions. This focus on authenticity enables the brand to cultivate genuine connections and encourages word-of-mouth marketing among loyal customers. By valuing their customers' preferences and needs, Kuyana has established a devoted following that advocates for the brand.
Navigating Challenges and Adaptability
Carla Gallardo's experience highlights the importance of adaptability in leadership, especially when facing challenges in a changing market. Her journey from working at Goldman Sachs to starting Kuyana demonstrates that familiarity with traditional retail practices can sometimes hinder creativity and innovation in business. Learning through trial and error, like Kuyana's initial foray into hat sales, allows for a deeper understanding of the market and customers' preferences. By embracing lessons learned from failures, leaders can position themselves for future growth and success.
Discover the power of dreaming big (and then starting small) in this episode with Karla Gallardo, the co-founder and CEO of Cuyana.
Inspired by her upbringing in Ecuador, Karla co-founded Cuyana on the principle of selling fewer, better things. Thirteen years later, they’ve hit $35 million in annual revenue and are loved by tastemakers like Meghan Markle and Jessica Alba.
Listen now if you’re ready for some serious motivation to turn YOUR big idea into reality.
You’ll also learn:
What to prioritize in your product development if you want loyal customers
Why *not* making the sale is sometimes a good thing
Powerful insights that anyone in the retail space needs to hear
What most people get wrong when they’re looking for investors