Keynote - From Hardship to Success
Keynote - From Hardship to Success
Trina Spear is the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of FIGS, the digitally native, DTC healthcare apparel and lifestyle brand creating technically advanced products for the modern healthcare professional. FIGS is on a mission to celebrate, empower and serve healthcare professionals. Learn how Trina got started, why she liquidated Her 401(k) to co-found her company, how she built her business and how she and her co-founder Heather Hasson just became the first female Co-Founders and Co-CEOs to take a company public!) 🚀
Key Takeaways
Being an Outsider is Cool
It is okay if you don’t have specific industry experience - being an outsider is helpful!
It helps view the product from a fresh lens and can see problems that industry experts ignore/cannot.
Ex: The medical apparel industry was stagnant and was unable to see the need for a better distribution model, fit and style, and the need for community.
Beginners Mindset
Keep this fresh perspective by maintaining and nurturing curiosity and innovation.
Ask yourself: How do we continue to be innovative? Curious? How are we going to introduce something that will blow people’s minds?
Take Risks & Don’t Be Afraid of Mistakes
If you don't take risks you'll never see what your product or business can be
Don't be scared of taking the leap - innovation requires taking chances
Mistakes happen!
Example: Early on FIGS made a costly production mistake! While devastating, it taught them the importance of quality control at every stage of production
Mistakes are opportunities to learn and improve.
Our brand is our community and our community is our brand
Our brand is our community and our community is our brand
Historically, healthcare workers are siloed into their dept., so we focus on the commonality between ALL providers: They want to save lives! We can meet them where they’re at and connect them.
Know your target audience and make them feel seen and heard.
Through social media and real-life events like pop-ups, hospital visits & immersions (spa day for healthcare providers!)
Two types of Spending
Performance Spend - ADs, SEO, etc
Brand Spend - You may not see anything right away but it makes a huge difference in your community
#DreamTeam
Co-CEOs can be a great thing IF you find the yin to your yang.
Feedback is a Gift
I want the feedback because I want to get better
Use a mind-frame that is going to serve
Don’t ask for $$, offer potential funders the opportunity to fund your incredible business!
Quotes
“There is no playbook, no rule book you figure it out as you go”
- Trina Spear
“Feedback is a Gift”
“Big bold bets to cut through the noise.”
-Sarah Friar
Advice to Younger Trina?
“Believe even more! There were times that I doubted myself - first years were slow-moving - if you believe strongly you'll give yourself that time to create something meaningful.”
Action Step
“Write down 5 things you're going to do this week and that you are actually going to get done. It can be overwhelming so we focus on the little doable things.” - Trina Spear