More than a decade ago, then sophomore student Kim Lato’s pursuit of an e-commerce business was unheard of, especially because she could expect a comfortable “career” in her dad’s own textile business. What set her on an irresistible entrepreneurial path in 2006 were her love for photography, a blogging hobby, and a challenging online experience. Over the years it would be further redefined by a vision to “build the Amazon of the Philippines.”
Interestingly enough,that Amazon-fueled goal was set off by her own experience with the online global marketplace giant. Lato recalls, “I was looking for a particular lens in Amazon.
The thought came to mind: ‘Can I do this but with gadgets available here in the country?”
This eureka moment that recognized a potential customer need was her first step in building Kimstore, which specializes in on-demand delivery of smart phones, laptops, cameras, other gadgets, and their accessories.
During its early inception, Kimstore began at the now-defunct social networking site, Multiply, which was the Facebook of its time.
It was the very first sale bought by her orgmate, Zyla Quiambao who Lato remembers fondly to this day that became her working proof of concept. Lato wanted to prove that online selling of gadgets was possible, and that her platform worked. Her sale of one product per week turned into 10. Lato soon adjusted everything in her schedule to keep on doing the business. She says, “Morning, I take all the classes, but in the afternoon, I was a business owner.”
By 2015, people outside Metro Manila were already inquiring about how to buy products from Lato. To meet the demand, she partnered with a courier that provided a COD (cash on delivery) service, a true gamechanger in the e-commerce space.
Despite doing the business for 15 years, Lato was able to have still another breakthrough in 2020, the height of the pandemic. Even more people who could not leave their homes because of the lockdown looked to Kimstore for delivery of their precious gadgets.
From pioneer and trailblazer to industry leader, the next step for Lato is to give back. I really want to take this opportunity to share my knowledge, time, blessings, and really help the e-commerce community and empower women.” according to Lato.
