We recently had a chat with Amelia Chen, founder of LoveByte. LoveByte is a mobile app that “provides a private space for two to communicate, share things and remember precious moments”. We talked to her about her journey as an independent start-up, and asked what advice she has for other budding entrepreneurs out there.
What made you decide to go down the path of an independent start-up?
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I had no idea what I was getting into, but I was really passionate and excited to begin working on an idea in my head and turning it into a product that would be used by many.
It was a rather spontaneous decision, to be honest. The idea was something I was very attached to, and believed it would make a positive impact in improving communication between couples. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I was really passionate and excited to begin working on an idea in my head and turning it into a product that would be used by many.
How did you manage to gather all the people with the necessary skills?
It’s important to have team mates who are passionate about the same things as you are. In the book
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins, he advises getting the right people on the right seat on the bus… so attitude is a really the most important factor I look out for, as I believe skills can be learned.
How did you go about securing funding for your start-up – any tips?
As a first time entrepreneur, it was not easy gaining trust from investors. We created the minimum viable product and released it into the market to see the response. When they saw the traction, they were more convinced and displayed interest.
What methods have you used to promote LoveByte, and which were the most effective?
Initially, we got some help by having friends spread the word. At the same time, we reached out to the media to get some coverage. For the LoveByte app, nothing beats getting featured on the App Store…
What’s been the hardest part about running a start-up? The best part?
If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.
Hardest part: You have to be resilient and resourceful. It’s like a rollercoaster ride and you have to maintain a balance so you don’t feel burnt out. There will be challenges and setbacks, you try your best to find solutions. When you solve them and you get cheers from your users, you’re elated.
The best part is that you’re constantly learning and challenged. As the saying goes, “If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.”
If you could go back and do things again, what would you do differently? What would you do the same?
There were many lessons learnt – things that should have been done, shouldn’t have, and could’ve been done better. Then again, there’s no definite way to do things and we learn along the way. If I could turn back time, I’d have started more projects earlier (e.g. while schooling), then I’d have more experience under my belt.
I would encourage people to be more inquisitive and not fear failure that much. It’s important to understand that failing is also part of learning. Don’t hesitate to take action – you’ll never feel ready.
Thanks for talking with us – I’m sure our readers will find your advice very useful. Anything else you want to add?
It’s good to have a idea, make sure you’re solving a problem that needs to be solved. It’s important to fall in love with what you do. It’s good to have a idea, make sure you’re solving a problem that needs to be solved. Ask yourself ‘how’ you will do it, but it’s more crucial to focus on the ‘why’ – that will be an incredibly useful motivation/reminder during the journey.
Thanks so much to Amelia Chen for making time to talk with us. You can find the LoveByte app on both the Apple and Android app stores.
