Meet LINKD. A professionally managed online retail store and regional distribution company based in Trinidad and Tobago that is highly focused on providing a wide range of technology, hardware, food, and beverage products for individuals and companies.
Owner Kondwani “KD” Applewhite says “Our inspiration comes from being able to identify trending quality products that have a wide appeal to our target market and distribute locally made products throughout the region.” When it comes to the name of the brand, KD says that even though they are fairly new to the market, the meaning behind LinkD is often misunderstood. “Many believe that the letters in the name read as two separate words “Lin KD”. It is actually more telling than that. Given the nature of the business, the first part (LINK) was a no brainer. Merging this with my name as the founder of the company, Kondwani “KD” Applewhite, the name LINKD was born, and is pronounced ‘Linked’.”
As for whether KD does this full time, he says yes. “Yes – LinkD is one of my many full-time responsibilities. My newborn child. However, I am also the General Manager and owner of a food catering company – Appleville Catering and director in the family-owned businesses. Nevertheless. I try my best to achieve a healthy work-life balance.” He was inspired to start the business as he had a desire to expand his business portfolio. “With an innate passion for entrepreneurship and a keen interest in buying and selling, these two trains of thought morphed into an exciting new venture. Following casual discussions about the emerging trends in eCommerce, much of which were influenced by the impact of Covid-19, the retail sector with its own online distribution arm seemed like the perfect niche opportunity. Some call it timely, I call it fate. I have been developing the company for the past 16 months and was forced to launch earlier than planned.”
And Linkd has already achieved major milestones. “I have been blessed to have an excellent team who collectively surpassed the first month’s target by 23 per cent. Trinbagonians are ready to embrace the local online shopping culture but we are learning as we grow and making the necessary changes to suit our environment.”
When it comes to lessons learned as an entrepreneur, KD says “That it doesn’t matter what the industry is, resilience, innovation, and being able to adapt to an ever-changing environment are key to maintaining a competitive advantage. If we are to be successful and differentiate in our field, we must be customer-focused and service-oriented.”
And does KD have any advice for the budding entrepreneur? “My first piece of advice is to start. Believe in yourself and be passionate about whatever you set out to achieve. Don’t quit at the slightest negative reaction. Find a mentor. You are never too old to learn. It’s important to learn from others who have walked the road before you. Appreciate the journey at every point. People will be your greatest asset but trust me, they can frustrate you along the way. Don’t ever forget to help someone while you build yourself and the business. Invest, Reinvest, and practice proper money management.
LinkD is certainly carving its space in the market at a fast pace. “We have established a solid relationship with our local and foreign suppliers. Our approach is to be very competitive in the market and value our steadily fast-growing clientele. Currently, we are developing our storefront on Ecaribbeanonline which will allow us to reach a wider target market with an excellent and affordable delivery system.”
Contact LinkD for a wide range of technology, hardware, food, and beverage products for individuals and companies
