ShipMonk is privileged to work with so many amazing ecommerce brands, and we are honored to help them achieve their business goals every day through custom 3PL services and omnichannel fulfillment solutions. This month, we proudly recognize the female entrepreneurs, leaders, and forward thinkers we work with who take on their industries with passion, savvy, strategy, and resolve. Today, it is our pleasure to honor Sherry Wu, CEO and Co-Founder of Belle & Bloom, and Emma Grose, CEO & Co-Founder of HAY! Straws. Learn about these trailblazing ladies, their approaches to the industry, and their innovative, optimistic mindsets as they build their empires.

Sherry Wu

CEO & Co-Founder | Belle & Bloom

1.) How do you see your company evolving in the next five years?

In the next five years, Belle & Bloom will focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity. We’ll integrate sustainable practices, invest in product development, expand our reach both online and internationally, and prioritize diversity and inclusivity within our organization.

2.) If you could give advice to “you” 10 years ago, what would it be?

Embrace change as an opportunity for growth, fearlessly pursue passions, prioritize personal and professional development, nurture relationships, and stay resilient. 

3.) What is a favorite quote from an awesome woman you admire?

“If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.” – Coco Chanel 

4.) Reflecting on your journey, what would you say to a young woman looking to pursue an entrepreneurship and ecommerce career path? 

Entrepreneurship is a rewarding journey filled with opportunities for growth, creativity, and impact. Stay committed to your vision, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and never stop pursuing your dreams.

5.) Outside of work, where else do you dedicate your time and passion?

I’m fortunate that my hobby and passion align with my job, as I’ve turned my vision into a fashion brand. While much of my time and passion are dedicated to my work, I also have an important role with my family. Being a good mum is a priority for me outside of my career.

6.) How has working with ShipMonk helped improve your operations and allowed you to achieve your goals?

ShipMonk’s partnership has been instrumental in our expansion into the American market. By strategically placing warehouses across the US, they’ve enabled us to significantly reduce shipping times and costs for our American customers, enhancing their overall experience. Their advanced logistics technology has also allowed us to seamlessly manage inventory across multiple locations, optimizing stock levels, and minimize shipping delays, particularly during peak seasons. With ShipMonk handling fulfillment services, we’ve been able to focus on core business aspects while scaling our operations confidently. Their support has been pivotal in our successful expansion, providing logistical expertise, strategic warehouse placement, and efficient fulfillment services.

Emma Grose

CEO & Co-Founder | HAY! Straws

1.) What made you passionate about working in your particular industry?

I’ve always loved nature and been inspired by its beauty. I think it is important to build better products and habits that will help protect the planet and have a positive impact.  

2.) What do you enjoy most about your career?

I’m always learning. Just when I think things are going smoothly there is a new challenge, which at the time always feels hard but overcoming the challenge is empowering. 

3.) How would you describe your business and the need it fills in the market?

HAY! Straws makes compostable single-use straws and cutlery made from REAL plants, not plastics, not bio-plastics, just simple natural ingredients. They don’t go soggy like paper straws, don’t pollute the environment like single-use plastics, and they offer businesses an affordable eco-friendly option. 

4.) How do you see your company evolving in the next five years?

We’d love to offer people and businesses compostable and zero-waste solutions for all their drinking and dining experiences. We want to expand our product line and make an even bigger impact.

5.) What tools, resources, etc. do you need to get there?

We need to conduct market research and make prototypes for new products with the help of manufacturing experts. We’d also like to Increase brand awareness and new product awareness with marketing, PR, and social media. Finance or capital would help expedite the research and development phase. 

6.) What is one of the biggest obstacles you have overcome in your business?

COVID-19 had devastating effects on our business and our hospitality community. It’s been a slow recovery with unpredictable sales trends, and people’s priorities have shifted away from environmental issues to focus on financial survival. 

7.) If you could give advice to “you” 10 years ago, what would it be?

Be more patient with yourself and others. 

8.) What is a favorite quote from an awesome woman you admire?

“When they go low, we go high.” – Michelle Obama

9.) Reflecting on your journey, what would you say to a young woman looking to pursue an entrepreneurship and ecommerce career path? 

Things don’t have to be perfect to launch a business. Don’t be afraid to start with something and improve it through customer feedback. You can do a lot of testing on a budget before making a big commitment to pursue your dream product. 

10.) Outside of work, where else do you dedicate your time and passion?

I love hiking, yoga, saunas, pottery, and doing volunteer work with environmental organizations.

11.) How has working with ShipMonk helped improve your operations and allowed you to achieve your goals?

Working with ShipMonk allowed us to scale faster without the headache of investing in our own warehouse and fulfillment. That allowed us to focus on other areas of the business.