From Corporate Finance to Fashion Empire: The Unlikely Journey of Jane Lu
Growing up, Jane Lu had big dreams of climbing the corporate ladder and wearing a power suit to work every day. Today, at 38, she’s the founder and CEO of Showpo, a thriving online fashion retail company that rakes in over $100 million in revenue annually. But Lu’s path to success was far from smooth sailing.
A Humble Beginning
Lu grew up as an only child in an immigrant household. Her family moved to Australia from China when she was just eight years old, and her parents had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. Lu struggled to fit in at school, unable to speak English and feeling like an outsider. This experience left her with a drive to succeed and prove herself.
The Corporate Climb
Lu’s determination paid off when she landed a role at KPMG, one of the “Big 4” accounting firms, during her first year of university. She worked hard, balancing her school work with her corporate job, and eventually moved on to a role at Ernst & Young. But despite her success, Lu felt unfulfilled and restless.
The Side Hustle
In 2009, a friend approached Lu with a business idea – a pop-up store concept called “Fat Boye Group.” Lu was hooked, and soon found herself working on the business in the evenings and on weekends, while still holding down her corporate job. She used her parents’ garage as a storage space and spent countless hours pitching to suppliers and running the store.
The Turning Point
As Lu realized her passion for entrepreneurship, she began to feel trapped in her corporate role. The final straw came when she had to spend half a day fixing an Excel error – a task that left her feeling unfulfilled and frustrated. Lu quit her job in June 2010, but kept it a secret from her parents, fearing their disappointment.
The Rise of Showpo
After her business partner bowed out, Lu was left to pick up the pieces. She met a new business partner, and over a few glasses of wine, they came up with the concept for Showpo. The rest, as they say, is history. With no money for traditional marketing, Lu turned to social media, which proved to be a game-changer for the company.
Overcoming Adversity
Lu faced numerous setbacks, including debt, declining sales, and the departure of her business partner. But she persevered, buying out her partner and taking the reins of Showpo solo. In the first month, she doubled the company’s sales, and two years later, Showpo hit a $1 million run rate.
A New Chapter
Today, Lu is a mother of two, and her husband has joined her at Showpo full-time. She’s also a judge on “Shark Tank Australia” and has built a massive social media following. Lu’s journey is a testament to her determination and entrepreneurial spirit. She’s living proof that with hard work and perseverance, even the most unlikely dreams can come true.
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