Young Entrepreneur, Shauna Mei is the founder and CEO of AHAlife. Shauna started the company in January 2010, raising her first round of funding in March of that year.
The company is a commerce site that website that sources and curates unique products from around the world. What makes AHAlife different is that it is based on stories, each product has a story behind it. Each of the sites curators have a profile on the page and so do each product designers, so they can share their stories and answer questions in relation to the product. Everyday a new product is showcased.
'AHAlife is the online discovery destination where you can learn about - and purchase - the best unique products from around the world.'
After raising $3million in funding, last year the site got it's beta launch in September 2010. Earlier this month AHAlife announced it had raised a further $6million in funding bringing total investment so far to $9million.
Leading up to the recent investment, Shauna's vision and passion has seen the company grow by 600% this year.
“We have gotten a tremendous amount of traction and have grown 600 percent this year while staying true to who we are,” says Mei. “We get e-mails and tweets saying that they love the story behind our products, especially our 'good karma' products because they are tied to a good cause. Then they share our stories through their social media streams."
As a kid growing up in China, she saw her dad, who worked for the government, travel the world on business. He time he would return with a gift and a story behind the purchase. Throughout her life she has traveled and lived in many locations such as Beijing, Seattle, Boston, New York, Hong Kong, Stockholm and London.
Her own 'AHA' moment was while travelling she would meet local artists and designers with amazing products with a great story but she wanted to let everyone have the chance to experience this. The idea 'take it online'.
After the big financial downturn in 2008,you may have thought that these luxury items would be less popular but the companies staggering growth shows a real demand for this unique online buying experience. Shauna is merely tapping into the consumers emotions and providing the opportunity to discover unique products online, were the majority of shopping is for a generic need.
I think she has a great mental attitude as well, on her about page she says "If I could solve one problem, I would solve people’s fear of themselves (i.e., self-doubt and negativity), which I think stops people from achieving their highest potential," which is something I truly believe myself.
Shauna is also the founder of Mobius Strip LLC, a company dedicated to creating responsible, inspiring and profitable businesses at the intersection between fashion/design and life's experiences through strategic licensing programs. Previously the young serial entrepreneur was also co founder of Aronsson Group, a luxury fashion investment and advisory firm for many fashion companies.
One of her biggest challenges when starting AHAlife, was the fact that they didn't have many precedents to their business model. They are constantly listening and learning about their loyal and sophisticated membership base to see how they can improve engagement and customize their unique experience.
I leave you with her advice to other entrepreneurs:
“Don't be afraid of the challenges; embrace them as part of the journey.”
Co founder of YHP, founder of IncuBus Ventures, online marketing consultant & host of one of London's top entrepreneurial events (Flagons Den). Regularly found networking around Tech City, convincing myself I'm working.
Working for the future, living for the moment.
Young Entrepreneur, Shauna Mei is the founder and CEO of AHAlife. Shauna started the company in January 2010, raising her first round of funding in March of that year.
