This week’s Work-At-Home Success story comes from Lisa Batra Founder of My Kid’s Threads.
>She is a self-starter, passionate entrepreneur and highly sought after eCommerce executive with over 15 years of experience working for Fortune 500 companies. She has her MBA in New Ventures & Entrepreneurship from Penn State and built and ran large-scale eCommerce businesses with direct P&L ownership for companies like QVC, Lowe’s, Limited Brands | Bath & Body Works, Charming Shoppes, and VerticalNet.
In 2014, she decided to take a break from a successful corporate career and founded My Kid’s Threads, an online marketplace to buy and sell designer kids’ clothes.
1) How did you get started working from home?
I wanted to keep my overhead costs low and I had available an open space of almost 2,000 sq. ft. It was the perfect set up for an office, photo studio and inventory warehouse.
2) How did you choose the work-at-home career you do?
I have over 15 years of experience in the eCommerce retail world and I coupled that with my passion to run my own business. After having two children of my own, I experienced just how quickly they grow out of their clothes and most were never worn! I wanted to create a simple and easy solution for moms like me to buy and sell kids’ clothes conveniently and without the hassle.
3) How did you get started (basic initial steps)?
I talked with a lot of moms and found out they were experiencing similar situations as me. I shared my idea with everyone including family, friends, trusted advisors and counselors. I also met with small business resources like a SCORE counselor from the SBA. I wrote a business plan and got feedback from close family.
I bootstrapped the website and wireframed the entire site. I enlisted the help of contractors to code. I built a marketing plan for launch and starting buying my own inventory to build up the product offering. I taught myself many, many things such as how to use fancy photography equipment and lighting.
4) How did you get your first client or customer or job?
I put up a coming soon landing page after securing my domain name. I received a lot of interest organically and email signups. My first real customer found my business online through SEO! I was thrilled to receive my first order just a few days after the website launched.
5) How do you market your business?
Social media, newsletters, paid advertising, create relevant content, bloggers, partnerships with moms and community driven events and sponsorships.
6) What does your usual day look like?
I have two small kids and after I get them off to school I get right down to work. When I drink my coffee, I create a to-do list, prioritizing the most difficult (and highest rewarding) tasks first. I have worn all the hats through the last 18 months. I spend more time and energy on strategic initiatives and growth strategies. I also enjoy a personal touch and meet with clients, pack/ship orders, address customer service questions, engage on social media, create content and oversee all aspects of the business.
7) What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I knew how hard it would be to hire really great people. It’s also so important to hire your weaknesses.
8) What advice would you give someone who wants to work from home?
Set aside a place exclusively for work. Make lists and constantly prioritize. There are always too many things to get done and it can be overwhelming. Lastly, network electronically. It can be lonely working from home and you should get active in LinkedIn groups, reconnect with past employers and colleagues. Get social and comment and like posts so you feel connected to the community.
To connect further with Lisa, visit
Website URL: My Kids Threads
Twitter Handle: @mykidsthreads
Facebook Page: FB MYKidsThreads
Instagram: @mykidsthreadsllc
LinkedIn: Lisa Batra
