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This week, I’m talking to Kristine Locker about how she went from self-funding her startup with $225,000 to securing a $1M angel investment and redefining online shopping. And she did it as a walking red flag solo female founder in the tech industry. If you've ever had 100 open tabs while debating a purchase, this episode is for you! 🎙️

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♡ This Week’s Episode ♡

Building a Multimillion Dollar Fashion Startup as a Walking Red Flag Solo Female Founder: Kristine Locker on Reinventing Online Shopping and Betting Everything on What’s Next

In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, I sit down with Kristine Locker—founder & CEO of ⁠Locker⁠, the social shopping platform that’s redefining how we shop, save, and discover products online. From starting her career in real estate finance at Goldman Sachs to self-funding her startup for two years with $225,000 before landing a game-changing $1M angel investment, Kristine’s journey is proof that big risks lead to even bigger rewards as a walking red flag solo female founder.

But building a multi-million dollar consumer startup isn’t just about great ideas—it’s about navigating investor rejection, learning from bad decisions (like an $8K influencer campaign gone wrong), and understanding what today’s consumers actually want.

We also dive into the new wave of creator-led brands—like Parke, Dairy Boy, and Set Active—and the backlash some are facing for bootstrapping their businesses through supplier terms, the drop model, and negative cash conversion cycles. Kristine shares her perspective as a founder on how these strategies impact growth, customer loyalty, and whether this is the future of consumer brands.

If you’ve ever had 100 open tabs while debating a purchase, returned a wishlist item you finally bought, or wondered why brands keep pushing affiliate links instead of listening to consumers, this episode is for you.

You can connect with Kristine on Instagram (⁠⁠@kristinelocker⁠⁠)or shop with Kristine on Locker.

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♡ Kristine’s Top 10 to Live a Hot, Smart, Rich Life ♡

♡ Locker ♡

I use this app to keep track of everything I’m thinking about buying. It helps me be a more thoughtful consumer, and I can even make cashback or commission on things I purchase or share.

♡ Nip Covers ♡

I do not like wearing bras, so these are a lifesaver for me.

♡ Cute Hats ♡

For a girl on the go, clean hair isn’t always possible, so having a stylish hat is essential. My go-to options are HSR and Locker.

♡ 5-Minute Makeup Routine ♡

As a founder, I don’t have time for a long skincare or makeup routine, so I stick to this daily SPF and this clean beauty bronzer stick to keep it simple.

♡ Probiotic ♡

A healthy gut keeps everything running smoothly, so this probiotic is my go-to every morning.

♡ Hair Tool ♡

For anyone who doesn’t know, I have extremely curly hair. To tame the frizz and get rid of the curls, I rely on this hair tool.

♡ Decaf Coffee ♡

I haven’t had caffeine in almost four years, so this decaf coffee is my morning must-have.

♡ Sweat Set ♡

I love a good sweat set that makes me feel put together. My new favorite sweatshirt and sweatpants are the perfect combo.

♡ Jewelry Staple ♡

I’m not a big jewelry girl, but I love having staple pieces. I originally discovered this one from Maggie, and my husband got it for me as a birthday gift straight from my Locker wishlist.

♡ Aquaphor ♡

I can’t remember when it started, but I’m absolutely addicted to this—I have one in every room of my house and every purse I own.

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♡ Hot, Smart, Rich Tips ♡

♡ Hot Hack ♡

Long morning walks and low intensity workouts.

♡ Smart Hack ♡

Habit stacking to save time!

♡ Rich Tip ♡

Live cash poor, equity rich and then one day your equity will pay off. Oh, and join Locker's Payback program so you can make money when you buy things out of your Locker.

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♡ Favorite Part of The Conversation ♡

I honestly loved it all! Podcasts with video are my favorite medium and I can't wait for everyone to watch or listen on their HSR walk.

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♡ Something People Don’t Know About You ♡

I have my black belt in Karate. I started training when I was 8 years old and got my black belt when I was 16. 

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TYSM, I♡U!!!!

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