I’m a victim of shopping indecision. I take my time, ponder, cry a little, and usually end up shopping bag-less. That’s why personal shoppers exist. And, that’s why useful little widgets like LookMash, that help shoppers make purchase decisions, exist too.
In our interview with CEO Lukasz Brzezinski, he talks about the power of voting, what he would do with a year off and how LookMash landed EU 125,000 in investment.
Tell us a little more about Lookmash
LB: Lookmash is mainly a widget for online fashion shops that give their customers instant feedback on what is more stylish, what they should buy, etc. But it’s also a mobile app (available on iPhone, Android and Windows Phone) by which users can get feedback on what they should buy in offline shops or wear before going out. In this way, Lookmash provides complex style & fashion services.
What’s a typical day at Lookmash look like?
LB: Each day starts from checking if there [have been] any new widget inquiries and follow up. Then comes making sure that the developers did everything they were supposed to and that it works properly. After dinner we concentrate on marketing. We still find time to vote on Lookmash.com every once in a while.
How do you motivate yourself?
LB: Nothing motivates me & the team more than visible results and the thought that the service can become a global success.
Got any great bootstrapping tips for the lean startups out there?
LB: Get funding as quickly as possible and talk about your idea to whomever you can.
When do your best ideas come to you?
LB: Definitely in the morning; between getting up and coming to the office I have a lot of time to think and I’m most creative.
We want to know about where you spend your day! What’s on your desk right now?
LB: At home and office. My office desk is full of papers (bills to pay, contracts to sign, agreements to send), cards of people I need to contact on that particular day and my notes (I love to write down the data, draw charts or calculate on pieces of paper).
Of course, in the middle of it all is a laptop and phone.
What entrepreneur do you admire?
LB: All those who run successful businesses, especially those who had a rough start.
What would you be doing if you had one year off and $500,000 to spend?
LB: I would spend most of the time and money on travelling and getting to know different cultures. The rest would be for partying and widening my business and social connections.
A lot of people have big ideas. What gave you the confidence to actually put your life on hold and realize yours?
LB: First of all, thorough research. I’ve checked if there is a solution which provides service similar to what I had in mind. Second of all, beta tests. I recommend it to every startuper. No matter what all kinds of specialist[s] say to you, you always have to check if potential/future users would like what you have to offer. If beta tests give expected results it will be a sign to devote yourself fully to the project.
Any regrets?
LB: None. The experience we gain from working on Lookmash is priceless. Everyone has to remember that even unsuccessful projects give a lot of experience and teach a lesson for the future.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs struggling to get their business off the ground?
LB: The most important thing is to talk to people about it. Don’t be afraid that someone will steal your idea. This barely happens. Think of the conversation as an opportunity to get free knowledge on how to run a business, what kind of people to employ or how to lead marketing campaigns. Remember, another entrepreneur will give you more valuable tips than ten years of studies.
Web App or site you couldn’t live without and why:
Now I can say that I couldn’t live without Lookmash. It influenced my decision-making process for life.
3 people you recommend we follow on Twitter, and why?
- Simon Grabowski @simongrabowski– Serial Entrepreneur. Founder of GetResponse, Implix, Vemma Europe, ClickMeeting, PayLane. Also, follow @getresponse
- Kevin Rose @kevinrose– Venture Partner at Google Ventures. Founder of digg.com. @tea drinker.
- Martin Ferro-Thomsen @FerroGate– Founder of @Conferize. Co-Founder of @Issuu. A good guy.
Can you share some lookmash numbers?
- Lookmash.com started in October 2011
- Lookmash widget for online shops was launched in February 2012
- 2011 – funding 125,000 EUR
- 3 employees
Where can our readers contact you?
LB: Widget for online shops is connected to voting platform, so definitely you should check out the places where people can vote: www.lookmash.com, facebook app (at lookmash fan page). Additional info on what we do is always posted @lookmash @ twitter and on our blog www.blog.lookmash.com. Currently, lookmash is taking all my powers, so wait a while with questions about other projects. I’m sure they will come in the future.
Thanks Lukasz! So, if you’re a “What do you think about this color?” “But wasn’t this last season?” or “Really though, how does it make my butt look?” shopper, or if you have a clothing website or shop, then you definitely should check out Lookmash – the widget that helps shoppers make purchasing decisions.
