Fashion, Men's Grooming…LLCs?
/I bet when you watch a fashion show, or hear so called fashion experts talk about whats hot, or what you should be wearing, along with accessories, the last thing you think of is…How did they form that company? Well, before they got that look, there was in fact a long road of forming the company as well as the product that was done well before you saw it on the proverbial runway.
Two years ago, I helped a friend launch her own fashion startup company, primarily focused on the niche retail market of men's grooming products.i.e., men's pomade, shampoo, conditioner, aftershave and shaving cream. But, well before the company launched, it was a labor of events, from forming the company, its structure, to yes, developing each product in a unique way that not only serves the customer but one that remains true to the company brand, image and likeness.
It was a two person company, but each had varying degrees of responsibility, capital and due to the CEOs differing location, each had different needs as owners to be protected. So, before you start that company, that brand, one should, and if I can borrow a quote from The Graduate, “take stock” of one's stock structure. This particular LLC was formed, 50% each owner, but once it launched, it was apparent that eventually that structure would need to be changed without upsetting the balance of the company. Like you always hear, it's best to approach all possibilities at the companies formation, thus any differences are not cause for arguing later on. It's not petty, its good business.
So, 2 years of hard work, developing the product, going to a laboratory to make sure its perfect, getting health approval, trade approval, this company is now fully functional, shipping its product all throughout the world.
With solid planning and flexibility, you will be “groomed” for success…