Kindra Eickelman is the CEO of Whimsey Way Door Decor. Kindra is a thought leader, influencer, visionary, and successful entrepreneur. Kindra provides the leadership and energy that has inspired the creation of Whimsey Way Door Decor. Kindra Eickelman joins other leading Bestselling Authors, International Speakers & Entrepreneur, CEOs and Founders taking part in our Leader Roundtable Interview Series. The DotCom Magazine editorial team is delighted to have Kindra join us for our Leader Roundtable Interview.
Kindra Eickelman is an entrepreneur with a focus on eCommerce. She is the CEO of Whimsey Way Door Decor, a company she founded in 2018 and grown to be a recognizable brand in the home improvement space and general online shopping. Whimsey Way Door Décor operates in two successful divisions namely: Whimseywaydoordecor.com and Etsy.com. Whimseywaydoordecor.com is focused solely on the sale of wreaths, swags, and door hangers. On its part, Etsy.com is an eCommerce store that deals in everything from jewelry, clothing, art, and collectibles, to wedding and party items. Kindra’s success comes from a passion for business and her academic background. She developed a passion for business at a very young age and leveraged this passion to pursue an undergraduate degree where she graduated cum laude in business management, with a major in marketing. Besides her work as CEO, Kindra is also into philanthropy and an active contributor to charities that target children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Since COVID-19 started, Kindra has given thousands of dollars to child charities, especially those targeting children with special needs. Kindra also has an active social life and enjoys tennis, watching the Chicago Cubs, reading and listening to music.
Let’s start by telling us about your business.
My business has two divisions. One is general eCommerce through Etsy.com. The second one is Whimseywaydoordecor.com that is focused on the sale of wreaths, swags, and door hangers.
Q: Please tell us how you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?
I focus heavily on customer service. My customers always know that they will receive a quality product and quality service whenever they shop from us. My goal is that the customer have a great experience from start to finish. From communicating, to the quality of the actual product and then receiving that product. Combining a customer’s positive experience with word of mouth can boost your brands recognition thus increase sales so it’s a very important part of what I do.
Q: Please tell us the one thing that separates your business from the competition?
Customer service , competitive pricing and one of a kind items help my business stand out from the competition. As I said previously, customer service is the most important part of my business and is crucial for success. I also fervently strive to find the most economical supplies to keep my costs down so that those savings are passed on to the customer. This is something that I do on nearly a daily basis as I am always looking for new supplies. Additionally, I try to set my business apart from others like it by making items that you can’t find elsewhere as they are distinctive and unusual and that is what customers look for.
Q: And to finish this section, please tell us what is the one major key to your company’s success?
I am very hands-on when it comes to running my business. I can be a little OCD when it comes to little details. The market for handmade items has grown exponentially over the past few years. Customers who are looking for handmade items are not looking for a mass produced item that they can pick up at some box store, they’re looking for a quality, original item. Customers who are in the market for an unique item are also looking for someone that they can connect with who made that item. I communicate directly with customers on a regular basis and I make myself easy to reach by prominently displaying ways to connect on my website. Paying attention to those little details, taking a participatory approach to customers and setting myself apart by making distinctive items has played a huge part in my success.
Q: For our readers just starting to build a company, what advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?
I would advise them to make sure that they are passionate about their line of business. It is only through a passion for a business that one can offer services that stand out from the competition. Additionally, think about who your target customers are and the more specific you can get the better. Then, create your business around that as a base.
Q: For entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what one big piece of advice can you give them when times get a little challenging
I would advise them to keep going. If you look at the history of the most successful businesses, they all encountered huge challenges at one point or the other. They are successful today because their founders never gave up. It can get discouraging and frustrating but carry on. Perseverance is everything.
Q: In today’s fast changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?
It’s a challenge for me. Things change so quickly that it is simply hard to keep up. I follow business news on both print and electronic media. This gives me an idea of macro trends in the business world. I also try to keep up with trends on social media which also change frequently but are a big part of how businesses advertise and market their products to the masses. I try to stay on top of both and then use these to adjust my strategies to fit emerging trends.
Q: What is your “Why”? In one sentence, why do you get up in the morning?
To serve my customers better than I did the previous day.
Q: In one sentence, what is the most important thing one has to do to be a great leader?
A great leader should be very passionate about their chosen course.
Q: In one sentence, describe how important your customers are to your business?
Without their support, my business would wither and die.
Q: In one sentence, describe a positive way that technology can make the world a better place?
Technology can open up the finance sector to the poor and end extreme poverty.
Q: In one sentence, tell us how something positive to motivate our readers?
All dreams are achievable if you don’t give up.
Q: In one sentence, tell us how you start your day to get ready?
I start my day with a brief meditation session. It helps me stay focused throughout the day.
Q: In one sentence, describe how you handle rejection and setback?
I use them to build the strength to overcome bigger ones in the future.
Q: In one sentence, describe what your hiring philosophy is?
I only hire people who are passionate about my line of work.
Q: In one sentence, describe how you keep your sanity in a competitive business environment?
I keep my sanity by taking breaks whenever I feel overwhelmed.
Kindra Eickelman, thank you so much for participating in the DotCom Magazine Leader Roundtable Interview Series. We appreciate you participating in this important roundtable interview series, and helping our readers learn more about what it takes to build a great company and become a great leader. We wish you, your family, and of course Whimsey Way Door Decor, nothing but the best.
Website www.whimseywaydoordecor.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/WhimseyWay
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WhimseyWayDoorDecor
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kindra-eickelman-b692b71b7/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whimseywaydoordecor/
