Meet Katie Moore | Founder Of Filosophy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I first embarked on my sabbatical from the hustle and bustle, stepping away from my career as a family therapist to immerse myself in the vibrant culture of Thailand, I didn’t yet know I was going to start my business. It was the mesmerizing artisan markets in Chiang Mai, a charming city nestled in Northern Thailand, that first got my entrepreneurial curiosity going. But my initial vision was selfishly simple: create a business that would offer me a perpetual passport back to this enchanting city. As I plunged into the unknown, parting with $10,000 to invest in the intriguing handicrafts that caught my eye, I was, admittedly, paddling in the deep end without much business acumen. Questions like who my customer would be, where I would sell the products, or even how to market them, were all a mystery to me. My plan was modest – bring these treasures back home and host a cozy, informal home party for my friends. The overwhelming response was a pleasant surprise and my first hint that I might be onto something special. This led me to set up shop at a local farmers market, a real-time laboratory where I quickly learned the dynamics of demand and supply. My strategy was simple – buy more of what sold, and drop what didn’t. This is how I began, step by step, market by market figuring it all out as I went along.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What a wonderful question! First and foremost, I must say that my career journey has been anything but linear – it’s been more of a vibrant tapestry, woven with threads of adventure, risk-taking, and a love for creating beautiful things. What sets me apart, is that I bring my background as a therapist and social worker into my entreprenurial journey. I believe, is my boundless spirit of adventure and my instinctual knack for picking out colors and styles that delight and surprise people that have really helped me in my success.

This particular leg of my journey began with a year in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Where the bustling artisan markets mezemerized me and captured my heart. I LOVE ARTISAN MARKETS. It was there, that the spark of Filosophy was first ignited. I started out with a simple plan: to bring these treasures back home and share them with my friends. The response was overwhelming, and that was my first hint that I was onto something special.

Was it easy? Far from it! I had to navigate the choppy waters of the business world with little more than instinct and a keen eye for what people love. There were also heart-stopping moments, like a house fire that consumed all my home, my merchandise, and everything but the clothes on my back. But, like any gritty entrepreneur who gets knocked down, the challenge makes us rise stronger, and more determined than ever to start again.

The challenges I faced along the way taught me invaluable lessons. I learned the importance of discipline, the value of data in decision-making, and the power of a strong and supportive team. But the most profound lesson has been the realization of the ‘Everyone Wins’ philosophy. This principle, which forms the bedrock of Filosophy, is about ensuring that everyone involved in making our beautiful pieces – from the artisans to my fabulous team – feels valued and is treated fairly.

I want the world to know that Filosophy is more than just a brand. We are a family of kind, open, and courageous individuals who delight in surprising our customers with unique and beautiful jewelry. Filosophy is not just a business; it’s a lifestyle and view of the world that puts people before profits and handmade over mass production. We are small and mighty and we love it that way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them in the mountains to enjoy the beautiful trails with me. Then we would go to the Merc, the fun little restaurant and live music joint that plays the best music in town. (lol its the only place in town).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My partner Jim has transformed my business. With his help, we doubled our sales, systematized our displays, and streamlined our process. He is a godsend.

Website: Filosophy.com

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