#FollowSpeedLee
Introducing Kristy-Lee McGonigle, founder of SpeedLee, a B2C retail platform revolutionizing online clothes shopping for Gen Z, blending efficiency with sustainability. With a knack for problem-solving and innovation, Kristy's journey from art enthusiast to business owner is a testament to her perseverance and belief in her vision.
As a new member of AwakenHub, Kristy seeks community support to propel her business forward and invites fellow #Awakenhubbers to provide valuable feedback on the SpeedLee platform. Her mantra? "Never give up; create your future."
To get us started - how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
I am a problem solver and innovator.
Describe your business and what prompted you to start it?
SpeedLee is a B2C retail platform that aims to improve the time efficiency and user experience of online clothes shopping for Gen Z. It will also improve customer's purchasing choices by popularizing sustainable clothing brands to naturally transition from the fast-fashion scene to ethical and sustainable. I started my business journey during my (MA) degree by studying an entrepreneurial module in UX & Service Design at Ulster University. I always had a problem finding clothing online in a time-efficient and less stressful manner and thought I would bring the problem to light during this module.
Tell us a little bit more about you?
I grew up having a love and flair for Art and wanted to digitalize this skill during my studies via an Extended Diploma in iMedia Productions at NWRC Limavady. Before going to University I completed an Art & Design Foundation degree to brush up on my drawing skills and creativity. During this course, my poster design was placed runner-up by Colin McKeown at the Royal Opera House. This gave me the confidence I needed to start University, knowing that I had skills, ideas, creativity and digital knowledge to go onto a BA in Product Design at Ulster University Belfast followed by an MA in UX & Service Design.
I grew up watching family members run their own businesses but had limited opportunity growing up in a small town in Limavady, Co. Londonderry. University showed me what was possible and opened up the world of entrepreneurship to me which was a route I then knew I wanted to match with my creative and digital skillset to and set up my own company.
Having work-life balance and a love of swimming and my constant interest in meeting new people has helped me make so many connections for developing my business to the stages it's currently at now.
Fill us in on your female founder journey.
It takes a lot of patience and perseverance if you are passionate about your business. I have experienced disappointment on the journey but I see this as part of the learning experience which motivates me to drive my business forward. I firmly believe I would have lasted the last 2 years if it wasn't for believing that my business will be a success and having a 'I won't give up' attitude.
Connecting with and learning from others is also very important to help me as a founder and to move my company forward. I also believe that mentoring and advice is a vital element to also furthering your knowledge and direction in the founder journey. I explore every business support programme that is offered in Northern Ireland and believe you always gain different knowledge, access and make new connections. I didn’t realise starting out how many business support systems are available to tap into in Northern Ireland and it's something that should be applauded and a great place to think about starting a business.
You’re a new member – why have you joined Awakenclub?
I believe that the support AwakenHub offers at the current stage in my business will help me move beyond my MVP and take SpeedLee to the next level via a shared community of insights, events and opportunities for female founders.
I am also keen to open more doors and gain advice from those who are also part of the AwakenHub founder community. Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely place especially starting a business on your own without a team. I believe AwakenHub will help me overcome this with the community they offer for female founders like myself.
Have you an ‘ask’ which we can share with fellow #Awakenhubbers?
I would love to ask the #Awakenhubber women to give me feedback on the SpeedLee platform by watching the SpeedLee concept video here. What they would use the app for and what they like most about it? What do they find important on the platform and what is not? I am currently in the MVP stage of the business and any information from potential customers would be extremely useful moving forward.
As a founder - what are your non-negotiables?
Never give up and don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve your goals.
Work on what you are passionate about, no matter how big your goal might be.
I'm inspired by anyone who has taken a leap of faith and entered Dragon's Den with their business idea. Their confidence and willingness to be open to disappointment by availing of the opportunity is inspiring.
Where do you see yourself in 12 months and 5 years time?
In 12 months, I will have a fully-functioning MVP for my customers and will be seeking investment. In 5 years, the SpeedLee platform will be fully developed with multiple revenue streams.
What are your top three tips for other women founders?
I personally wouldn't be a book-reader or listen to podcasts. But my top tips would be to make those connections and don't ignore any business support programme out there to further your business. Even if a programme isn't right for you, the person you could be talking to could know another person that is able to support you from a different programme.
A lesson I have learned is always stay open-minded and don't punish yourself too much during your founder journey. It's normal to get knock-backs and the good always out-weighs the bad. Stay grounded in your belief for your business unless you are told that it is not possible!
To finish up with what are six words to live by?
The best way to predict the future is to create it!
