Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Wee.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My career started in the Entertainment Industry in Asia, working in international and multi-national firms’ Marketing, Publicity, and Artiste Management departments. I was fortunate that I had the opportunity to be accepted by a multi-national entertainment company as an intern and was offered a full-time job before graduation. My direct boss at the time was a well-known figure in the music industry across Asia and was the music producer/mentor for some of Asia’s biggest celebrities. Hence, before I was even 21, I had the opportunity to travel overseas for work as part of the artiste entourage. This unique and exciting career, beginning for a 19-year-old kid, allowed me to view the world as a place with dreams and many possibilities!
A few years later, I became the Personal Assistant of a renowned Photocrafter in the advertising industry. My boss had won Cannes Awards as a Photocrafter, and is a serial Entrepreneur; through his businesses, I had the opportunity to take on the lead to set up a retail brand store project, This was my first insight into the world of retail and I was able to learn from many other Entrepreneurs about their journey, about what it means to be in retail, etc. Subsequently, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the State University of New York – Oswego. After working for a few years in the US, I did my MBA at the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. During this time, common topics of interest organically led me to be in close contact with a few classmates who were also Entrepreneurs.
In 2023, I started my own business named 8 Lucky Forests. Being someone who loves K Beauty, as well as unique, engaging, and cute items, it naturally formed into a store where customers would arrive at my store and comment -> OMG, so cute! Suddenly, it felt like I was meeting other friends with common interests.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were obstacles and challenges. These are part of the growing journey as an Entrepreneur, where each step is progress. When planning my business, I felt nervous and worried as this was a new experience. One of my MBA schoolmates, who had been a boss for several years, gave me valuable advice – there will be times you will mess up, but that’s just part of running your own business. After listening to his advice, I was not as nervous anymore and looked at my upcoming journey in a different light. I came from a background of organizing live events and being a part of live shows, while in the entertainment industry, I began to look at any obstacle/challenges as part of being in a live show. Things happen, and when it happens, we solve it the best way we can.
One major challenge I faced was finding the right resources for my business to run smoothly. As a pop-up store, I depend on a working Point of Sales system. There was a time when I was starting when the Point of Sale app I had been using did not function properly in the middle of an outdoor show. I had to repeatedly restart the app throughout the show almost every time there was a credit card transaction. Luckily, my customers were all friendly and lovely about it. I resolved it before my next show by seeking technical help on the app. However, the app would either not connect well with the payment card reader at my following outdoor shows or crash entirely. Luckily, I was big on using different apps. Hence, I could accept payments through other payment methods, which allowed me to minimize the interruptions to my customers.
I had to make a quick decision and switched to a different provider, with barely a week in between my shows. This meant transferring all the inventory information, checking through them, and retyping if necessary. Being a new company, it was also a one-person show then. So, I stayed up nightly throughout the week, updating my inventory, receiving new items, and prepping for my following shows. However, I am glad that the effort paid off, and it was nonetheless a learning experience.
In early August, I met my current mentor, who has provided me with invaluable resources and tips, and that helped cut down on a lot of wasted time and effort as I was able to focus on the resources that I would need rather than searching and shopping around endlessly, while unsure if it would be the right selection.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about 8 Lucky Forests?
8 Lucky Forests is a place to find many little nice things. The name 8 Lucky Forests brings together a meaning of positivity, happiness, abundance, and exploration. Hence, as our customers happily embark on their journey to explore all the little items at our store, they can find items that bring them joy.
What we are known for and what sets us apart is that we are a store that sells cute and fun items, as well as K Beauty at great pricing. For example, we sell stickers at less than a dollar per sheet. Many customers will ask several times if it is the correct price as it is hard to find such cute stickers at that price in retail. As a kid, I still remember spending my pocket money on stickers, and as a kid, I loved having stickers. Thus, it was important to me that the little kids could come to the store to find something they liked and would not hurt their piggy bank. It was also important that the parents could bring their kids to the store and not feel stressed either. The joy of shopping is finding and purchasing an item that gives excellent value at its price. Hence, I want to create a place where shoppers can feel that enjoyment. All our K Beauty skincare products are Made in Korea. I personally use Korean skincare and love it for its efficiency. Taking care of yourself can also be a fun activity where you can do a spa day with family and friends. I sometimes hand make some items for my store – using resin to create accessories, as well as decorative & functional pieces. I also dabble in paper art where I create mini paper cranes and paper lucky stars.
Being a new business, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and support we have received. Despite being half a year old, I was fortunate to have met a few milestones. This year, I was able to speak about my business in front of a couple of senators in the State of Maryland, who are highly supportive of small businesses. 8 Lucky Forests also received an invite from KOTRA (Korean Trade Investment Promotion Agency) to attend the K Beauty Expo in South Korea in October, and we attended the event in person. In the upcoming months, 8 Lucky Forests will introduce 2 Korean skincare brands to our store – The Crème Shop and Célavi. We will also feature a new range of unique, engaging, and cute products for the holiday season for our customers.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Have faith in what you do, keep it simple, and never be afraid to ask. I had to figure out which events to go for when I started my business. In the beginning, the results were not as ideal, and at one time, I felt somewhat saddened. You can even say I was heartbroken. During that time, I still hoped that others would love unique, engaging, and cute items as much as I did. So I decided to hang in there, be bold, and try out being a vendor at different events, including those in other states. When I first started doing handmade items, my resin did not permanently cure, so I spent time researching and learning before creating the items I make now for my events. It was a leap of faith, and I am glad to have done it because it allowed me to achieve baby milestones little by little.
In terms of keeping it simple, there is no guarantee in business. Hence, it is all about trying it out rather than worrying and overthinking, especially for the first year. Because this was such a big change for me, often, I get asked questions about the future. Usually, I would respond and let you know after I try it out.
The journey of being an entrepreneur takes work. Many resources and much to learn from others, such as those on this journey, are needed. Because I was willing to keep asking and learning, I met my current mentor, who has graciously shared his experiences and tips on finding the best resources. That helped so much in my journey as an Entrepreneur, as it saved me a lot of time while finding the right resources. It helped a lot hearing about other Entrepreneurs’ experiences as the journey will feel less ‘unknown.’
Contact Info:
- Website: 8luckyforests.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/8luckyforests/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/8luckyforests/
