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.
- Always wanted to travel and at the time 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 had no sales experience so she asked her mom for help who had sales experience.
- 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.
- As the business continued, it was somewhat successful but under a 6 figure gross business.
- 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.
- At age 50, living In Switzerland she said to herself there is no way that I am waking up and on her next birthday not making over 6-figures.
- 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; understand your deep belief system that has influence over your choices.
- 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.
- Wrote the book to tell people how she did it and her wish is to help women to become the sovereign of their life.
- If you have a conversation in your head that starts with “I wonder if…” it is your soul calling you to do something, take action on it.
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
For Clothing: amazon or backfrombali.com .”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
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