Forward-Thinking Luxury - Badami & Co.
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anthony Badami, founder of Badami & Co., located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Badami & Co is a small batch luxury essentials company proudly handcrafted in Los Angeles. We like to disrupt the norm with thoughtful & forward-thinking products for not-so-common individuals.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Anthony Badami. When I was 13 years old, my grandfather taught me the art of leathercraft. I started making bracelets, keychains, & book covers. The tactile experience of hand-cutting, stamping, staining, & painting leather was so fascinating that it stuck with me & I continued his legacy. My first shoulder-strap harness was named "The Melvin" after him. I combine my love for superheroes, modern architecture, & post-apocalyptic imagery to create one-of-a-kind pieces to elevate your style. I call this "post-apocalyptic chic."
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I could say having celebrities wearing my Shoulder-Strap Harness, but honestly, it's my customers that bring me so much joy. To hear how my designs make people feel more confident or more themselves is the best reward.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say consistency while literally nothing is consistent around you. Some months are great, and others are super quiet. Finding your target customer can sometimes be difficult with an online company if you don't have the funding. I know my designs aren't for everyone, but it took me a while to get to a place of accepting and owning that.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Shadow someone you admire. Be an intern or research their story as much as you can. Learn from their successes but also their shortcomings. There are so many moving parts to a brand, and working for a similar company can give invaluable insight.
- Have a full-time or part-time job as you build your own brand. Rarely does a brand take off overnight. Funding can be very hard to come by as a new brand, so do what is necessary to get your brand started.
- Don't wait until it's perfect. It may never be perfect in your eyes, but you will learn and grow with the brand as the quality and creativity grow as well.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Be true to yourself #BEMOREYOU
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://badamiandco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Badamiandco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badamiandco/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.