Get to know Christine Agertoft, a Danish lifestyle journalist turned designer who decided to create lamps that are beautiful, practical and beneficial to kids' sleeping habits.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Christine Agertoft, the founder of umilumi, gets it done like a boss.
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
I decided to launch my business because I have to lead by example. Every day I tell my kids that they just have to keep trying, not let the fear of failure paralyse them, and follow their passion. Now, I have to hold myself to the same standard.
As an editor for several Danish lifestyle magazines, I have met and written about many inspiring brands and creative people. In the back of my mind, I always wondered if I would have the courage to follow in their footsteps. Had I stayed in Denmark I am not sure I would have. I needed to leave my comfort zone to find my true passion.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
At the moment I am in the midst of my biggest challenge. I am an introvert, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the long journey of designing a product from scratch. Sorting through hundreds of button options, testing different types of coating for the oak, designing packaging, and all the other decisions that require lots of thinking. Now, the next step is to get my product out to consumers. Less thinking and more selling.
How do you deal with self-doubt or criticism?
I share my doubts with others who have built businesses far greater than mine. They have mostly gone through the same phases of doubt. If I am devastated about 1000 stickers being printed in the wrong colour they always have a story far worse. No one gets anywhere without mistakes and failures.
Favourite place to work?
Often, I work from The American Club because they have the option of a supervised indoor playground where I can drop the kids off if I need to finish something.
Can you share a work mantra that you use?
I fight my inner perfectionist by saying “Just start failing” whenever a big challenge is ahead of me.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
The contradiction of loving Danish “hygge” and Asian efficiency!
Your go-to self-care activity?
Pulling out the Play-Doh and taking a power nap followed by weeks of finding Play-Doh in odd places.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
Don’t hitchhike, use sunscreen, and trust in yourself!
Get in touch with Christine Agertoft online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
