Kate Duff

Connect

http://www.3floz.com

http://www.twitter.com/3flozKate

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kate-duff/9/4b3/681

Education

University of Kentucky - Bachelor of Arts in French Language

Kate Duff, co-founder of 3floz.com, became friends with her partner Alexi while traveling and working together for another company. But there was one problem: Their travel styles were completely different and drove each other crazy. Kate was a two-bag, checked luggage woman, while Alexi showed up with only a carry-on. At the root of the differences were beauty products: lugging full-size products versus shopping for hours to find sample-sized ones. Realizing there wasn’t a one-stop-shop for these items, the women teamed together to create one, 3floz.com. The site is great for women who travel or who simply are hesitant to commit to full-size products before trying them out.

Kate warns that starting your own company is a very daunting task (harder than you can even imagine), but says if you have a dream and the tenacity to stay the course the rewards are worth it. Oh, and having a great team around you is definitely the key.

Accept that you don’t know everything, but that everything can be figured out.

How did you discover your current job?

My business partner and I were traveling a lot in our roles as brand manager and sales manager at Archipelago Botanicals and realized there was no one-stop-shop for carry-on approved beauty and grooming products.

What is your typical day like? What types of things do you do in your job?

My typical day starts around 6:30 a.m. when I check my Blackberry to see what is on my calendar and go through any emails that have come through overnight. I then get ready and head to the office. The first thing on the agenda is to see where we are financially and what orders need to be placed. I spend the majority of my afternoon speaking with brands and partners to continue the growth of 3floz.com. Since we are a startup company my days are never the same, which is a blessing and a curse.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most challenging?

Most Rewarding: When I introduce myself to people as the co-founder of 3floz.com, and they have heard of the company and, better yet, are our customers. I love that we can help people look and feel their best wherever they are, and that people feel so passionately about the service we offer.

Most challenging: Managing cash flow. With so many amazing brands out there it is hard to decide where the money goes.

What is the biggest personal sacrifice you have to make because of your job?

Since starting 3Floz.com, I’ve missed out on a lot of important occasions with friends and family. I have missed birthdays, births, holidays and more with my nearest and dearest, and I’ve learned that as long as you are open and honest with your loved ones they will support you completely.

What is one lesson you've learned in your job that sticks with you?

Accept that you don’t know everything, but that everything can be figured out.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge for women today, particularly females in your industry?

Unfortunately appearances for women are still very important, especially in the beauty industry. The pressure to look great but also professional for photo shoots, meetings and events is still very much part of the day-to-day in ways that it just isn’t for male entrepreneurs.

Who are your role models?

Oprah, because she is proof of what one woman can do.
Tony Hseih, founder of Zappos, because it has the company culture that every company should strive for.
My parents. They are business owners who have never compromised who they are and how they treat people, no matter what the cost.

What are some of the rules you live by?

What you put out into the world is what you will receive. Treat others how you would want to be treated. When you know better you do better.

What advice do you have for girls who want to be in your industry?

Beauty is ever changing so don’t be afraid to try something new.  There is always room for the best new idea.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I can’t disclose many details, but 3floz.com  is committed to helping everyone look and feel their best wherever they are, and in five years I hope we’ve expanded that model in a way that truly helps people live a simpler, lower-stress life.

What are three things you love aside from your job?

Traveling, SoulCycle, Physique57 and spending anytime I can with family and friends.