MANUELA KOM- Becoming the change she wishes to see
What’s your full name and where are you from?
My name is Manuela Kom and I am from Easton Pennsylvania.
Tell us a little about your business
My business KomfortCo is a small business selling primarily swimwear and fitness apparel while promoting KOMFORT in your own skin, apparel material, and Komfort in knowing that your money is being used to benefit charities and those who are less fortunate. Most importantly my business strives to maintain inclusion. Selling swimsuits with hijabs, and various sizes is part of my next project to ensure Komfort for people all over. As It continues to grow KomfortCo will include more loungewear options and a line called Komfort Style.
What makes you different as a person and also what separates you from the rest of your peers in your industry?
What makes me different as a person is my upbringing. As an older sister, I started having early household responsibilities as young as the age of 7. I loved helping my parents with caring for my siblings and even doing some chores. As I got older I was kind of the planner in my house. I managed and continue to manage my grandparents and siblings appointments, driving them to and from school events, teaching my sister how to drive and even running necessary errands for my house, while my parents continue to graciously take care and provide for us. What separates me from my peers in this industry may be my motive behind starting my own business. I’m not doing this to be rich. Not yet at least. I’m doing this because more than anything I want to help others. When I first thought about donating half of my proceeds to charity, it was because I could not go out to protests during the pandemic. I knew that wasn’t an excuse for my lack of contribution to a cause I felt strongly about. So with willpower, I found a way to get involved.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see myself finishing up Medical school to start my journey as an Orthopedic Surgeon, while continuing on my path in pro circuit tennis. However with persistence, hard work, and with the grace of God I also see myself reaching $1,000,000 or more in sales from KomfortCo. I plan to not only expand my store inventory, but also expand my knowledge, of both life and the supply chain field so I can continue to run a successful business. In the years leading up to then, I would like to start a free mentorship program, offering manufacturers and tips for those who want to start their own business but don’t have the resources or the the push to do so.
What legacy do you wish to leave behind?
I wish to leave behind a legacy built on empowering one another, supporting one another, and building up with one another. All those are desires that cost us nothing. Without envy of others, I know it’s attainable. More than anything I plan to be a good example of how to give back to others. That’s my biggest hope, to inspire and to have become the change I wished to see.
Email: Manuelakom2@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Manuela Kom
Instagram: @Komfort.co
Facebook: KomfortCo
