Pomade That Styles + Enhances Hair Health - Highland
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Boone Whiteside, Co-Founder of Highland, located in Boulder, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Highland, we provide superior haircare products that promote hair health and honor our planet through sustainable practices. Highland strives to empower people to build individuality and expression of style in ways that improve their own health and the health of their home planet.
Our flagship product, Highland's Glacial Clay Pomade, is a unisex and all-natural 9 ingredient hair styling product designed for all hair types and all hairstyles. Our product is reshaping the way industry professionals (barbers & stylists) view natural products — which historically don't live up to professionals' expectations. Not only does our Glacial Clay Pomade provide an all-day style, but unlike the toxic and carcinogenic goop many use every day, it promotes a healthier scalp and healthier hair with each use.
Tell us about yourself
Growing up in Boulder, CO, I was exposed to earth and health-conscious values at a young age. As I grew and became entrepreneurially inclined during my time at CU Boulder, I knew I wanted to incorporate these core values into business. I wanted to create something that not only helped people live healthier and happier lives but hopefully helped our home planet in the process. Every day, I'm motivated and inspired by health, nature, and expression of self — or in my case, with Highland, expression of style.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
None of our accomplishments are mine alone. I've been lucky to be surrounded by an incredible team, partners, and fearless co-founder, Ben. Our biggest accomplishment has to be the launch and distribution of our Glacial Clay Pomade, which is showing people everywhere that the products we put in our hair don't have to be loaded with toxic and harmful chemicals. Carried now in barbershops and salons across the country and at www.Highland.Style, it's allowing people to use a hair product that aligns with their values in health and in sustainability. Eager to add to our product line in 2023, our mission at Highland is just getting started.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Overcoming doubt. It takes dedication and consistency to maintain belief in your vision. It's hard work, but it couldn't be more rewarding.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just
- Get
- Started
It's the only thing that matters. Fresh out of college, I came up with a million reasons why I wasn't ready to start the business yet. First, I wanted to meet with that person, or this person, or if only this industry expert would tell me what I needed to do, or if only this chemist could help us perfect the formula before launch... or blah blah blah. It was nothing but roadblocks I was putting in my own way. Excuses and obstacles that helped me avoid what I was most scared to do: put myself out there, commit to my cause, trust my instincts, and GET STARTED.
You will make mistakes; you will fail at things — that much is certain. But you will also learn, find answers, and make progress as you learn to build and operate whatever business you want to create. The only thing preventing you from becoming an entrepreneur is your reluctance to begin today.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.highland.style/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlandstyleco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlandstyleco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/highland-style/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.