Des Moines-based Linda Tong is the CEO of Linda Tong Planners. “I started Linda Tong Planners in 2017 when I would create entirely handwritten planners for co-workers and friends. [The company] has expanded to more stationery such as notepads, notebooks/journals, stickers and more.” Learn about Linda Tong…
Hometown: Des Moines, IA
First job: Summer camp counselor at Lifetime Athletic
Favorite ways to spend your free time in IA: Attending festivals around Des Moines, shopping at small businesses, and spending time with friends.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: I was named Student Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020 by Clay & Milk. It was such an honor to be recognized especially since I started LTP and turned it into a full-time business as a student in college.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: The second year of turning LTP into a full-time business was extremely difficult. It outgrew my apartment so I subleased an additional one-bedroom apartment to operate as a space for employees to fulfill orders. I was pushed to my limits as a new business owner, manager and artist. That year, I also lost money because I overestimated inventory to order at the wrong time. I ended up donating hundreds of planners to local schools and charitable organizations, and properly disposed of the rest as they were dated and had a small window of time to sell. I felt defeated but pushed through and am now anticipating my most successful year yet!
Someone who inspires you and why: Many of my competitors in the market. I often take inspiration from them, but I am also competitive almost to a fault. It drives me to make my business better for my customers. It also drives me to find ways to make my products better than my competitors.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Find the unique factor in your business/product and make it known! If you’re on social media, find ways to connect with your customers.
Favorite quote: The best revenge is massive success.
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: In my free time, I play lots of video games! It’s the main culprit of my procrastination. Growing up, I also sang and played piano and continued throughout college.
What makes someone fabulous: What makes someone fabulous is to be independent and true to themselves, owning their identity and being proud of it.