By Meg He, the co-founder of ADAY, shares her entrepreneurial journey from a former Goldman Sachs analyst to a successful fashion startup founder. Here’s how she navigated through career transitions and realized her true passion in the world of fashion and sustainability.
Early Entrepreneurial Spirit
Meg He’s entrepreneurial spirit ignited at a young age when she started selling vintage designer clothing on eBay at just 15 years old. This early experience laid the foundation for her future ventures and set the stage for her eventual foray into the fashion industry.
Transitioning from Finance
After pursuing a rigorous course in economics and management at Merton College, Oxford University, Meg landed a role as an analyst at Goldman Sachs post-graduation. Despite the prestige of the finance world, Meg soon realized that her heart lay elsewhere. She recognized her innate passion for ecommerce and consumer psychology, which ultimately led her to pivot towards the fashion sector.
Meeting the Co-founder and Ideation
At Goldman Sachs, Meg crossed paths with Nina Faulhaber, her future co-founder at ADAY. Their shared work ethics and entrepreneurial drive sparked a bond that transcended their finance backgrounds. Together, they delved into the world of venture capitalism before embarking on their journey to revolutionize the fashion industry.
The Birth of ADAY
The idea for ADAY was born out of a desire to create workwear that seamlessly blended comfort with style, akin to gym wear. Meg and Nina embarked on a rigorous research journey, traveling to fabric mills and sustainable factories across the globe. In January 2015, ADAY was officially launched, offering a sustainable capsule collection made from recycled fabrics.
Navigating Challenges and Achieving Success
The initial stages of ADAY were humble yet ambitious. With a small team and limited resources, Meg and Nina embarked on a mission to redefine fashion standards. Their perseverance paid off as ADAY gained traction, attracting investors and expanding its product line to include swimwear and innovative fabric technologies.
Weathering the Storms
Like many businesses, ADAY faced challenges, particularly during the pandemic. However, their adaptability and commitment to sustainability kept them resilient. They leveraged opportunities, such as launching Made Again, a line that repurposes over-ordered stock into new pieces, catering to the evolving needs of their customers.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Meg’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s strengths and weaknesses, building a supportive network, and embracing challenges with a commitment to excellence. Her transition from finance to fashion exemplifies the transformative impact of pursuing one’s true calling.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on her experience in investment banking, Meg acknowledges the valuable lessons learned, particularly the meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence instilled at Goldman Sachs. These principles continue to drive her and Nina as they strive to elevate ADAY as a trailblazing force in sustainable fashion.
Meg’s story is a reminder that career paths are not always linear but can lead to profound fulfillment when aligned with passion and purpose. Her journey from finance to fashion exemplifies the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to follow their dreams.
