NEWSJane Lu's Inspiring Journey: From 'Secret Startup' Showpo to a 'Shark' on Shark Tank
Sep. 27 2023, Published 3:17 a.m. ET
Jane Lu's entrepreneurial journey is a story of resilience, innovation, and sheer determination. From the inception of Showpo in 2010 to her recent debut as a Shark on Shark Tank Australia, her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for budding entrepreneurs worldwide.
The Genesis of Showpo
Against the tumultuous backdrop of the Global Financial Crisis, Jane found herself at a crossroads. Unemployed, burdened with debt, and grappling with a failed business venture, she faced a daunting future. She channeled her energy and passion into creating Fashion brand Showpo.
Jane went to great lengths to keep her new business a secret, even from her parents. Every day, she would pretend to head to a non-existent job, all while clandestinely building her business from scratch.
What distinguished Showpo from its competitors was its groundbreaking approach to marketing. With limited funds, Jane turned to social media, particularly Facebook, to cultivate a community of engaged followers. This strategy, combined with Showpo's distinctive brand voice, allowed the company to flourish even when traditional marketing avenues were inaccessible.
Today, Showpo stands as a testament to Jane's vision and tenacity. With over 3.5 million followers across various social media platforms, Showpo has firmly established itself as a global fashion powerhouse.
Showpo's Global Footprint
Despite its Aussie roots, Showpo has captured a global audience, making significant inroads even in the hyper-competitive US market. This global appeal can be attributed to the brand's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and authenticity and its ability to stay abreast of fashion trends. Showpo's dedication to offering trend-driven styles that cater to diverse body types and sizes has fostered a genuine sense of belonging among its customers. Lu was even asked by US periodical Newsweek to write an opinion piece on inclusive fashion in 2021.
As well as being inclusive, Showpo consistently stays ahead of fashion trends, maintains affordability, upholds a robust online presence, and delivers quality and customer service globally. By understanding and adapting to local preferences and ensuring efficient international shipping, Showpo has positioned itself as a brand that resonates with fashion-conscious individuals worldwide.
Innovative Collections and Offerings
Showpo continues to push the boundaries of fashion with its innovative product lines. The brand recently unveiled "Amalie, Maison De Fleur," a sub-brand focusing on resort wear crafted from natural fiber fabrics. This collection, characterized by its vibrant floral prints, innovative patterns, and dramatic silhouettes, is a breath of fresh air in the fashion landscape.
Additionally, Showpo's resort line is poised to redefine summer fashion. Featuring lightweight, breezy outfits that capture the essence of sun-soaked days, this collection is a must-have for the upcoming season. Some standout pieces include Amalie's signature floral-print dresses and chic ensembles perfect for summer soirées.
The Road Ahead for Showpo and Jane
As Showpo continues its upward trajectory, Jane has been recognized as one of Australia’s leading entrepreneurs and recently joined Shark Tank. Passionate about mentoring and guiding promising entrepreneurs, she has made multiple investments in her first few appearances.
A Beacon of Inspiration
Jane, as an Asian female entrepreneur, has emerged as a role model for countless individuals worldwide. She is a staunch advocate for representation and believes in breaking stereotypes. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, innovation, and a bit of ingenuity, anything is possible.
Jane Lu's journey, from secretly building Showpo to becoming a successful entrepreneur and a Shark on Shark Tank Australia, is a story that inspires and motivates.
To share her experience, Jane has launched a business course made up of 11 on-demand video sessions that participants can access at their convenience. Jane shares, "I've also provided downloadable resources to enhance and enrich the learning journey. I want this course to work for everyone."
There's no cap on the number of participants, ensuring everyone can move through the material at a pace that suits them best. Jane emphasizes, "Once enrolled, you have unlimited access to all the content, with no time restrictions. I wanted to ensure that everyone has the flexibility to fit the course into their hectic lives and truly absorb the material."
As Jane looks to the future, her primary objective is the vast potential within Showpo. Jane remarks, "There's an incredible opportunity for growth and innovation in the fashion space, and I'm genuinely excited about what lies ahead for Showpo."
Outside of her professional commitments, Jane places immense value on family time, especially with her two young children. "Time flies faster than we realize," she says, "and I want to cherish every moment with my little ones before they grow up. It's all about finding that perfect balance between my work and personal life, and I'm committed to making a positive mark in the world of business and entrepreneurship."
