It’s a whole new decade and startGBC is delighted to be featuring Tina Todaro for the January 2020 George Brown College Alumni Entrepreneur Spotlight!
Tina has had an amazing entrepreneurial journey and is a real inspiration in proving that following your passion is a great way to build a business.
Having graduated from the Community Workers Program at George Brown College, you will be surprised to read about the business Tina created. Tina is the founder of Lady Killa Airsoft a tactically-inspired brand created by Canadian “slaydie” Tina (aka. Lady K), in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The brand reflects her personal and Airsofter load-out style, which also aims to create and inspire “do-it-yourself” projects, as well as women airsofters and entrepreneurs worldwide.
So, we asked Tina to answer some questions for us that should be an inspiration to others.
Tina, what’s your educational background?
I am a graduate of the Community Worker background, with 5+ years working with different communities, for-profit and non-profit.
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
I have always wanted to be my own boss, and taking the entrepreneurship road was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career. Being an entrepreneur allows me to create, promote, and market my products to my own standards, and gives me lots of creative freedom.
Why did you create Lady Killa Airsoft Co.?
I created Lady Killa Airsoft Co. after seeing all the gear players were wearing that wasn’t strong, long-lasting or even creatively appealing. I wanted to create a product that functioned properly, is durable and built to last a long time. Creating rifle slings for the sport of Airsoft (similar to paintball) from paracord was my way of demonstrating a more efficient product to meet the players gear needs.
What success have you enjoyed so far?
Since being in business for 2 years this past December, I have had the pleasure of attending the startGBC entrepreneurship bootcamp and being a sponsor for numerous Airsoft events in the GTA, and for players and teams around the world. Other successes I’ve been fortunate to have is a pop-up shop (through a partnership with Toronto Airsoft) for the month of January at Siege Airsoft.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
One piece of advice I would give to aspiring entrepreneurs, is not to get discouraged by the amount of work and quiet times within your business. There are times when business will boom and times where it wont but keep creating and working hard because it will pay off!
CHECK OUT THE LADY KILLA AIRSOFT WEBSITE
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