Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kyle Tarter, Co-Founder of Gravity Razors, located in West Jordan, UT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Gravity Razors is an e-commerce barber supply company focused on bold, disruptive designs. Founded in 2018 by Jordan Lambourne and I, Gravity Razors has sold hundreds of thousands of straight razors to barbers around the globe, has been used by tier-1 celebrities, and is one of the premier brands on Amazon.com (and online in general). With consistent 300%+ YOY growth rates since its founding, Gravity Razors is poised to grow into one of the top beauty supply brands within the next few years.
Tell us about yourself
Jordan Lambourne and I have been friends for over a decade, working in various business ventures together. I live in Arizona and have spent my career in e-commerce - with a near-9-digit exit, one of the top Kickstarters of all time, and Billions in revenue driven on the Amazon Marketplace, and it made sense for me to create a brand of my own. That opportunity came when Jordan, my friend and a barber, suggested launching a line that would change the barbering space forever. Together, we launched a brand that has added life, color, and identity to the barber community. We are motivated by the opportunity to make a difference in a space Jordan loves and is passionate about. We love perfecting the fine details of products and solving pain points within the tools available to Jordan and other barbers.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I Co-Founded Nozani.com, an Amazon Marketing Agency, in 2016. From 2016-2019, Nozani grew from 2 people to an organization of around 100, full-time, US-based employees. Nozani had a revenue of over 4 million dollars and won the award for one of Utah's fastest-growing businesses (Emerging Elite). In 2019, Nozani merged with BBE, where I stepped in as COO for the growing business. I helped facilitate the integration of the two companies and, later, the acquisition and integration of Egility and Intercultural Elements (ICE). I also served as interim CFO, CPO, and CHRO during 2020-2022. In 2021 BBE was acquired by Spreetail. With several hundred employees, the business was the leading Amazon Marketing Agency in the US. BBE was an Inc. 5000 company and has won comparative awards like best company for diversity 2020, best company work-life balance, best company happiness, Utah's top 50 fastest growing companies, & best leadership teams 2020 (among others). Collectively I have managed billions in GMV on the Amazon marketplace. BBE was acquired by Spreetail in May of 2021. Kyle left his business in July of 2022.
To date, that has been the greatest achievement of my career. Inwardly, however, My greatest achievement was the ability I had to work with, learn from, and grow with the team around me.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Humans. Working with people is tough. There have been bad business partners, challenging employees, and difficult clients. All of these people are affected by the same personal-life challenges as everyone else - but learning to balance work and personal life is one of the hardest parts of running a business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Begin with the end in mind and give yourself grace. For most people, it makes sense to maximize the opportunities around you rather than just trying to "be an entrepreneur." Take what comes, and find ways to maximize the value of your connections, your opportunities, and your skills.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://gravityrazors.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gravityrazors/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gravity_razors/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gravityrazors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-tarter/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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