In today’s episode, Jeff interviews Leslie Kuster of Back to Bali. Leslie got robbed back in the earlier 90’s and used her insurance check to go to Bali, Indonesia for 7 months. After coming back home to New York, at the time, she didn’t see anything in the New York Times that interested her for jobs and she didn't want to go back to PR. So she calculated the cost and returned to Bali to get something she could sell in the United States. With the help of her mom she set up a table and sold out in one day and her business was born. As the internet came out she created a website and found herself on Amazon. To this day, Leslie still sells on Amazon and has made it to a 7 figure business.
Leslie and Jeff discuss:
- In the early 90's her house got robbed and she received an insurance check. at the time she was working in corporate PR in New York City.
- Decided and went to Indonesia by herself; which was scary, no cell phones or internet. After 7 months she decided to go back to New York and find a job.
- When she got back to New York she went and got the New York Times and looked for jobs. Nothing looked good and she didn't want to go back to PR.
- All of a sudden she had a light bulb moment; I wonder if I went back to Bali, Indonesia if there is stuff I could buy and sell in the US.
- After calculating the cost, she decided to go back to Bali and she brought back children’s clothing to sell.
- She setup a folding table and women bought everything on the table and this is how she launched her business.
- For 18 years she did street fairs and holiday markets in New York City where she sold childrens clothing and also did wholesale.
- All of a sudden the internet kicked in and she had the first yahoo website and started to get online.
- Found herself on Amazon which was new at the time; Amazon was only doing books at first (mid 2000s).
- After a year of being online she changed from children's clothes to women's clothing.
- Leslie now has a multiple 7-figure business and continues to be on Amazon and she also sells through her own website.
- To do what Leslie has done it has to start with your mindset; really get clear on what you really really really want and get to know yourself.
- Mentors are the next step: hire someone who is where you want to be and was where you are now.
- Leslie has a book coming out soon: 7 Keys to 7 Figures: The Women Entrepreneurs guide to money and freedom.
Fast Five Questions:
- If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “This time in my life is pretty perfect, I think I would do what I'm already doing right now. I like to wake up and meditate and this is a good way to start my day and then get outside.”
- What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not hiring someone to help me figure out what to do.”
- What is a book that you would recommend? “Profit first by Mike Michalowicz.”
- What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “icalendar on my Macbook.”
- What is your definition of Freedom? ”Really knowing deeply who you are and what lights your fire and what really motivates you and what your passions and desires are and then creating a life that fulfills those things.”
- What is the best way to contact you? “Website: lesliekuster.com and for Clothing: amazon or backfrombali.com .”
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
Instagram: Freedom nation podcast
Twitter: Jeff Kikel
LinkedIn: Jeff Kikel
