Here is an interesting and inspiring story of Tori Gerbig, who started an eBay side hustle as a part time hobby. But with her business skills and consistency, she turned that hustle into a million dollar empire.
Sounds really motivating, right?
In this article we have covered everything you need to know about her Business Journey and how she scaled her business to $141 Million.
Who is Tori Gerbig?
Tori Gerbig is an evidence to where ambition and a side hustle can lead.
Starting as a simple eBay store to supplement her income, Tori’s entrepreneurial spirit quickly transformed her small venture into Pink Lily, one of the most dynamic players in online retail.
She started her journey during a time of financial instability, equipped only with strong determination and a sharp sense for market patterns.
Pink Lily’s inception wasn’t just about selling trendy clothing; it was about creating a brand that resonated with people’s desire for style and affordability.
Tori managed both her full-time job and her expanding business in the early days, often sacrificing sleep to complete orders late at night. This commitment formed the basis for her eventual multi-million dollar enterprise.
Her story is not just inspiring; it’s a blueprint for business growth and entrepreneurship.
By putting in effort and having a strong goal, a part-time job can grow into a successful business, going against the usual corporate route and reshaping what success means personally.
Early Challenges
Tori Gerbig started her entrepreneurial journey during a time of economic decline. She started her business in recession, which provided little stability or prosperity.
Tori and her husband were in a tough financial situation with a starting salary of $25,000, over $70,000 in student loans, and other debts.
The decision to start an eBay store was driven by necessity and a sharp entrepreneurial instinct.
It was a strategic move to supplement their income, selling anything from golf clubs to Halloween masks—items that were trending online and could be sourced wholesale and sold at retail prices.
As sales increased, Tori became more confident in her side hustle. The eBay store was just the beginning of what would later become Pink Lily.
Related Article: 30 Lucrative Side Hustles for College Students
Turning Point
Pink Lily’s journey from eBay to a successful e-commerce platform is a result of smart strategies and online expertise.
She saw the potential of social media early on. By using platforms like Facebook, she built a community of loyal customers who became strong supporters for the brand.
Moving from eBay to an independent website was a strategic move to reach a wider audience and offer a better shopping experience. It wasn’t just about selling products; it was about creating a brand that connected with customers on a personal level.
On 2014, they hired a Freelancer from Fiverr to make their ecommerce website for only $500
By making customers feel like they belonged, Pink Lily became more than just a store – it became a lifestyle.
The company’s growth was fueled by its effective use of social media marketing, turning every post and tweet into an opportunity to engage with customers.
Through visual storytelling and interactive content, Pink Lily stood out in the competitive online retail market. This approach not only boosted sales but also established a strong online presence that attracted and retained customers.
Business Growth
Pink Lily’s success story can be attributed to Tori Gerbig’s meticulous strategic blueprint.
She recognized the unique value proposition of offering trendy and affordable fashion with a personal touch, which resonated with their target demographic of young women.
Tori’s business acumen allowed her to understand her customers’ aspirations, preferences, and online behaviors, enabling Pink Lily to curate collections and marketing campaigns that spoke directly to their desires.
As the company grew, the business plan evolved to include scaling up operations, expanding product lines, and exploring new marketing channels.
Leveraging social media for community building was a pivotal decision, creating a sense of belonging and driving brand loyalty.
The plan also emphasized agility and adaptability to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of online retail. Ultimately, Pink Lily’s success was rooted in understanding their customers and staying agile.
Overcoming Stereotypes
In the world of online retail, she faced many challenges as a young female entrepreneur at Pink Lily.
Tori never let stereotypes or biases hold her back. She was determined and unwavering in her pursuit. She firmly believed that real leadership knows no boundaries of age or gender, but is defined by the power to motivate, create, and bring about transformation.
Her story serves as an inspiration for women in similar battles against stereotypes. She is not only successful in business, but also redefines what it means to be a leader.
She has proven that with determination and conviction, barriers can be overcome and success can be achieved on one’s own terms, regardless of societal stereotypes.
Current Success
Pink Lily has achieved remarkable success in business and entrepreneurship.
Their revenue in 2021 was an astonishing $141 million, showcasing their extensive operations. With over 11,000 products and a strong social media following of 3.6 million, Pink Lily has firmly established itself in the world of online retail.
The company’s workforce is another indicator of its success, boasting 250 full-time employees and a physical presence with a brick-and-mortar store in Bowling Green.
This growth is not just in numbers but also in recognition. Pink Lily has been honored on the Inc. 5000 list, a prestigious ranking that celebrates the fastest-growing companies in America.
Pink Lily’s success in the market and dedication to excellence in online retail is recognized with this award. Tori Gerbig’s vision turned a small business into a big success.
Future Aspirations
Pink Lily’s online retail business is thriving, and now they are considering opening physical stores.
She believes that combining the convenience of online shopping with the enjoyable experience of in-store shopping is the way forward.
They also plan to expand their product range to reach a wider audience, so that Pink Lily continues to be known for its fashionable and accessible offerings.
Her vision extends beyond business success to setting a new standard in entrepreneurship.
She inspires aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, to believe that with determination and creativity, a small side business can become a successful empire.
Her story encourages others to dream big and take bold actions, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
Pink Lily goes beyond being just a brand; it serves as a source of motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs to create their own routes to success.
4 business learnings
Reflecting on Tori Gerbig’s story and the remarkable success of Pink Lily, here are four business learnings that you can implement in your business:
Leverage Social Media for Community Building: Tori’s smart use of social media to build a community for Pink Lily was crucial. You can do the same by interacting with your audience, encouraging conversations, and forming a devoted community. This may result in stronger brand loyalty and customer retention.
Find your Market Niche: She found that stylish women in America are searching for dresses under $50 to look good. That’s what she identified and made her brand.
Identify Your Unique Value Proposition: Understanding and capitalizing on what makes your business unique is crucial. For Pink Lily, it was trendy, affordable fashion. Determine what sets your digital marketing solutions apart and ensure that your messaging and services highlight these unique aspects to attract and retain clients.
Adapt and Evolve with Market Trends: Pink Lily’s growth was partly due to Tori’s ability to adapt to changing market trends. Stay informed about the latest digital marketing trends and be ready to pivot your strategies to maintain a competitive edge.
Empower Through Leadership: Tori’s leadership style was inclusive and empowering, which helped her overcome stereotypes and build a successful brand. In your business, lead by example and create an environment that encourages innovation and growth, regardless of age or gender.
Implementing these learnings can help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and steer your business towards sustained growth and success.
It seems like you have a great deal of knowledge about this—almost like you wrote the book on it. Aside from that, I think you might add a few graphics to assist illustrate the concept a bit better. Still, this is a fantastic post that is well worth reading, and I will surely be back.