Summary
Welcome to the Startup Junkies Podcast!
Beau & Kourtney Barrett, Founders of JUNK Brands, join the Startup Junkies Podcast for episode 274. Beau and Kourtney detail the start of JUNK Brands, and how it grew to become the nationally recognized headband company that it is today. They discuss the importance of listening to the market and providing customers with authentic products that leave them coming back for more. Beau and Kourtney also explore the subculture that helped them scale, and how to use your community as leverage to keep growing. They are huge advocates for the entrepreneurial community here in Northwest Arkansas, and we cap off the discussion talking about what new venture is brewing in the Barrett family, and the "What's Next!?" question that they have been asked a thousand times. Enjoy!
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes
(1:34) Introducing Kourtney and Beau Barrett
(1:54) It all starts with chickens.
(6:09) ...But How did it turn into headbands?
(11:16) Branding “JUNK”
(12:54) Living the Entrepreneurial Dream
(15:32) Scaling and selling in the early stages.
(23:50) The good, bad, and the ugly
(36:52) Advice on Starting Up
(38:38) Wrap Up
Links
Michael Iseman
Quotes
"As we thought through it [branding the headbands as JUNK] the more we really liked it. That the brand didn't take itself too seriously, that it was fun, that it was high quality and just kind of represented our attitude about the whole thing."
(11:56) - Kourtney Barrett
"When you first create a product, when somebody authentically buys that product, who is not your mom, your brother, or somebody that you know is doing it out of obligation... That is all an entrepreneur needs to fuel the fire."
(14:14) - Beau Barrett
"Finding the subcultures where you can become relevant and grow organically (especially in apparel) is super important."
(23:21) - Beau Barrett