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!


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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

 
 
 
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