Sara Quintero, Founder of KarmaChic Marketplace

My journey into entrepreneurship began with my passion for retail and supporting small businesses. In 2014, I opened my own brick-and-mortar women’s consignment boutique, where I managed every aspect of the business, from sourcing vendors to building a loyal customer base. Over the years, the boutique thrived, growing sales by over 40% in 2015 alone. However, as e-commerce competition grew, I made the tough decision to close the store in 2018.

That experience, while challenging, opened my eyes to the opportunities online platforms could provide. I wanted to combine my retail expertise with my growing interest in technology to create something impactful. After years of planning—and life delays like raising a family—I officially launched KarmaChic Marketplace in December 2023.

KarmaChic is a multi-vendor platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs by giving them a space to showcase their unique products or services. My goal was to leverage my retail history and tech knowledge to help other women overcome barriers, start side hustles, or scale their existing businesses with minimal investment.

Today, KarmaChic is more than just a marketplace; it’s a supportive community where women entrepreneurs can grow, network, and thrive. The journey has been full of iterations, but it’s been worth every moment to see the impact it’s making.

"Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?"

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—entrepreneurship rarely is! One of the biggest challenges I faced was when I had to close my brick-and-mortar boutique in 2018. The rise of e-commerce made it increasingly difficult to compete as a small retailer. While that decision was heartbreaking, it also became a turning point that inspired me to pivot and explore how I could leverage technology to help other entrepreneurs succeed in a digital-first world.

Another significant struggle has been managing life’s curveballs along the way. Balancing family responsibilities while building a business delayed my plans for launching KarmaChic for years. There were moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, especially as I ventured into the tech space. But every obstacle became a learning experience that made me more determined to see my vision through.

Launching KarmaChic wasn’t just about creating a platform—it was about creating a purpose-driven space for women entrepreneurs to thrive. The process has been full of iterations, but I’ve learned to embrace those adjustments and stay patient. Challenges like refining the platform’s functionality, building a community, and wearing many hats as a solopreneur have tested me, but they’ve also given me immense clarity about my mission and resilience as a leader.

"Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?"

KarmaChic Marketplace is a revolutionary platform I created to empower women entrepreneurs. My mission is to provide a space where women can showcase their talents, grow their businesses, and connect with a like-minded community. Whether you’re launching a side hustle or scaling an existing brand, KarmaChic offers the tools, resources, and visibility to help you succeed.

What sets KarmaChic apart is my personal focus on women entrepreneurs and small businesses. Unlike traditional marketplaces, this isn’t just about transactions; it’s about building a community. I understand the challenges of starting and running a business, especially as a woman, because I’ve been there myself. That’s why I designed KarmaChic to provide low-barrier entry, access to marketing resources, and a supportive network.

I specialize in offering a multi-vendor platform where business owners can sell their products or services with minimal upfront investment. Vendors also gain access to tools that help them expand their reach and direct traffic to their own brands. It’s a win-win: businesses grow, and customers discover unique, high-quality offerings from inspiring women entrepreneurs.

What I’m most proud of is my mission to empower women through entrepreneurship. KarmaChic isn’t just a marketplace—it’s a movement to help women step into their potential and turn their dreams into reality. Every vendor on KarmaChic represents creativity, resilience, and passion, and I’m honored to support their journey.

If there’s one thing I want your readers to know, it’s this: KarmaChic is here to help you grow. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur testing the waters or an experienced business owner looking to expand, KarmaChic provides the support, exposure, and tools you need to thrive.

"Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts."

I’ve always considered myself a risk-taker. To me, taking risks is an essential part of growth—personally, professionally, and creatively. While risks can be intimidating, I believe that stepping outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens. You learn, adapt, and often discover strengths you didn’t know you had.

One of the biggest risks I ever took was opening my brick-and-mortar boutique in 2014. Starting a business from the ground up was daunting, especially in a competitive market. I invested significant time, energy, and resources into building a space that reflected my vision, without any guarantee of success. For four years, the boutique thrived, but as the retail landscape shifted toward e-commerce, I had to make the difficult decision to close in 2018. That experience taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability.

Launching KarmaChic Marketplace was another major risk. It wasn’t just about entering the crowded e-commerce space—it was about creating something unique: a platform dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. I invested not only financially but emotionally, combining my retail experience and newfound tech knowledge to bring this vision to life. Doing this as a solopreneur added another layer of risk, but I knew the potential to make a meaningful impact outweighed my fears.

My perspective on risk-taking is that it’s a necessary ingredient for innovation. Risks don’t always result in immediate success, but they always lead to growth. Every risk I’ve taken has brought lessons, opportunities, and connections I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. For me, it’s not about avoiding failure but about being willing to try, learn, and iterate.

At the end of the day, I’d rather take the leap and pursue something I’m passionate about than stay stagnant wondering, “What if?”

I’m so excited to have you here. If you’re ready to make your mark, KarmaChic is ready for you. Let’s build something amazing together!