Entrepreneurs around the globe: Xisco de la Calle, Co-founder of The Fab Shoes and Vicepresident of JustFab

"Having courage to make tough decisions pays back in the long run"

- Describe your start-up in three sentences.

The Fab Shoes, the startup I cofounded in 2011 was acquired in June 2013 by Justfab, the world’s largest subscription fashion company. In Justfab we see ourselves as the next evolution of specialty retail (Zara, H&M, Gap). We currently have 3 business lines: Justfab (women’s shoes, accessories and denim), Fabletics (women’s activewear) and Fabkids (kid’s fashion).

- What inspires you as an entrepreneur in Berlin?

At Justfab I am currently in charge of European operations. The things I do in my current position are similar to those I did in previous jobs, however I do them now across Europe’s largest and more developed e-commerce markets. I am really enjoying the learning.

- What's your greatest fear as a global entrepreneur?

If you believe in your business model and your team, adrenaline keeps the fear away. When doubts on any those two elements appear, it’s when your motivation and your skills as entrepreneur and as a person are challenged.

- What do you wish you had known before founding your company?

No matter how many books or interviews on entrepreneurship you read, some lessons you only learn by making painful mistakes yourself. Starting a business involves great risks and the most likely is that you fail. The more numerous and qualified the supports you count on are, the better. Risk has to be shared.

- What systems have you set up in your business to help it grow?

Justfab is a fashion retail business. Despite the fact that we are pure online player, managing our growth requires a robust organization, scalable processes and deep pockets.

- What do you do on a daily basis to grow as a global entrepreneur?

As mentioned before, Justfab has given me the chance to learn about e-commerce reality across Europe. Besides this, being part of a large and successful US-based ecommerce startup builds also on your understanding of global entrepreneurship.

- What should a global entrepreneur never forget?

Time is more valuable than gold. You can’t buy yourself time with gold, make good use of it. Having courage to make tough decisions pays back in the long run.

- What impact has ESADE had on your career as a global entrepreneur?

My parents are not business people, so unlike many other entrepreneurs I did not see starting up a business as a natural thing to do. ESADE bred me from a business perspective.

- What makes being an entrepreneur worthwhile?

Entrepreneurship is a luxury option. Not everyone can afford to take the risk that it involves. So those like me who have had the change to give it try should feel lucky. You win or you learn…. I tried several times, I learnt a lot and even won. So I feel extremely lucky for that.