Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kaitlin Kao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kaitlin, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I’ve always believed that if you do what you love, the money will follow. Kao Closet began when I started reselling pieces from my own closet, long before thrifting was trendy. Back when I first started, secondhand shopping was still seen as unusual, but I was drawn to the thrill of finding unique, high-quality items and giving them a second life. What started as a personal passion quickly intersected with a cultural shift as society embraced sustainable fashion and the resale market grew. I began refining my sourcing strategies, learning online platforms, and building a social media presence, eventually turning Kao Closet into a profitable side hustle. Over time, it became more than just selling clothes. It allowed me to connect with like-minded people, promote sustainability, and inspire others to see value in secondhand fashion. This journey taught me that purpose often starts with curiosity and passion, and grows when aligned with positive impact.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I founded Kao Closet, an online resale business specializing in curated, pre-loved fashion. I’m passionate about the thrill of thrifting, rescuing quality pieces from landfills, and delivering better value to shoppers. I’m excited to keep growing my entrepreneurial instincts and explore new opportunities.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are patience, self-discipline, and confidence. Patience has helped me stay consistent and trust the process, even when growth felt slow. Self-discipline has kept me focused on my own progress rather than being distracted by comparisons to others. And having confidence, believing in my vision despite setbacks, has given me the courage to take risks and grow Kao Closet into what it is today. For anyone early in their journey, I recommend embracing the long game, celebrating small wins, and trusting your unique path.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho has been one of the most influential books in my personal and professional growth. The main message is that when you pursue your “Personal Legend” with courage and persistence, the universe conspires to help you. It reminded me that the journey is just as important as the destination and that challenges along the way are often lessons in disguise. Another powerful takeaway was the idea of listening to your heart and trusting your instincts even when the path ahead is not clear. This perspective has encouraged me to take risks, stay patient through uncertainty, and remain open to unexpected opportunities, values that have guided me in building Kao Closet and pursuing other entrepreneurial goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/kaocloset
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaocloset
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-kao-3b88281a4/
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