One Entrepreneur On the Start: Shien-Ru Tsao

This is part of a series called "The Entrepreneurs On The Start."  This interview is with Shien-Ru Tsao.

What was your first business venture?

In 2002 I started a stationery line called Visual Circles Press _ The fine art of correspondence. It was an urban pet theme water color illustration line.

What made you want to go into business for yourself?

My parents are entrepreneurs, so I guess growing up that whole lifestyle rubbed off on me. I learned early on that I couldn't work for someone else. I always wanted to produce my own projects.

Would you go into business, if you had it to do over again? Why or why not?

Absolutely, 100%!! There is something very thrilling about a start up and seeing how far you can take it. I guess I'm a little bit of a thrill seeker.

What were some of your biggest lessons learned about starting a business?

a) Have enough money set aside for those lean seasons.

b) You can't let "fear" stand in the way of your business.

What advice would you have for others considering going into business for themselves?

I always tell people don't start your own business just because you hate your job or your boss. You work harder as an entrepreneur than you would as an employee for any other company, plus you never stop thinking about your business.

Any final thoughts on starting a business?

Be smart. If you think you have the next big idea - research, research, research the competition!

Shien-Ru Tsao is an Entrepreneur/Product Designer currently in the throws of her third startup venture shopkuza.com. She has been fortunate enough in her career to be able to develop + launch products that can transcend into areas such as Gift, Apparel and Accessories. Her work has been featured in Daily Candy, The Chicago Tribune, Real Simple Magazine and Modern Dog. In addition, Shien-Ru is active in her Social Philanthropy, project116.com working with nonprofit organizations to help teach kids about Entrepreneurship and Design.