Cumming Businesswoman Recognized As eBay Top Seller

CUMMING, GA — Local businesswoman Jessica Pate, owner of MyKiddosCollegeFund, has been recognized by online e-commerce giant eBay as one of the corporation’s top sellers, and as a result was invited to participate in the 13th Annual United States of eBay Seller Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill.

As part of the event, Pate traveled to Washington, DC May 15-16 to meet with elected officials on various issues important to her business, including the way that the Internet, technology, and platforms like eBay have revolutionized the way that small business operate, discuss why it’s important that lawmakers keep small Internet-enabled entrepreneurs in mind when considering various public policy initiatives, and showcase how eBay has led to her dramatic growth as a small business in Cumming.

“Owning my own business provides me with the flexibility to create my own schedule and spend more time with my family,” Pate said. “My business has grown so much that I have been able to provide flexible employment for friends who need extra income.”

Of particular concern is the proposed Internet sales tax, which would treat small online businesses like MyKiddosCollegeFund the same as a mega-billion-dollar retailer and negatively impact small business growth and development. The Supreme Court is set to decide on whether a state can impose sales tax collection obligations on sellers without a physical presence in that state, which will determine whether the 4.1 million small businesses that sell online can continue to do so successfully. eBay has filed an amicus curiae brief with the Court on this issue.

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MyKiddosCollegeFund currently employs 6 individuals and exports 5 percent of its products.

In total, 20 small businesses from across the United States were selected to participate in the advocacy day. Each of these businesses will tell their small business story directly to their Representatives and Senators, as well as their Congressional staff members.

Jess Pate first used eBay in 1997 while attending Wake Forest University. The school provided every student with a laptop, and Jess was thrilled to find a favorite out-of-print book on eBay. Feeling lucky, she decided to list an old pair of cowboy boots on the platform. The boots sold quickly and generated an $80 profit. Jess was hooked and began buying and selling clothes frequently on the site to make extra money. Over the years Jess continued to sell online, but always just part-time. It wasn’t until she became pregnant with her first child that she began to see her “hobby” as something with true potential. Her desire to maximize her time with her new baby made her think outside of the box. She knew many sellers who were operating thriving online businesses, and she decided she could too. She wanted the flexibility of creating her own hours and schedule, all while accommodating her growing family. Jess decided to take the leap and has been selling full-time ever since. Jess’ business has grown so much that she plans to build a new operating space in the coming months. She is proud that MyKiddosCollegeFund provides flexible employment not only for her, but for members of her community as well.

Photo courtesy Jessica Pate