Start-up: Cool Conservative, LLC
Founded: 2009
Location: Eden Prairie
Key players: Sheila Kihne and Betsy Gall, co-owners
Funding: Self-funded
Web site: coolconservativegear.com
Imagine having an idea for a business that caters to nearly half of all Americans in a market that is virtually untapped. Dream opportunity, right? Any entrepreneur will tell you that it’s an absolute rarity. In fact, many likely don’t think that it’s even possible. Up until a few days ago, I probably would have agreed.
My opinion changed after I was introduced to Sheila Kihne and Betsy Gall’s business, Cool Conservative, LLC.
The former interior designer and software sales professional—both with retail backgrounds—have founded a company that designs and sells stylish apparel and giftware with a conservative twist. Well actually, it’s not just a twist. It’s their business.
Kihne and Gall were tired of walking into retail stores and seeing the vast selection of apparel geared toward liberals, while conservatives—who are equally as passionate—were left with just the shirts on their backs.
Based on their research, they knew that the number of Americans that were identifying themselves as conservative was growing. Yet, the retail market was not responding. The two entrepreneurs saw an untapped opportunity to create a line of apparel products for those who wanted to show their support for the cause of conservatism.
With an extremely successful soft-launch at a self-hosted home party, they knew they were on to something big.
No matter what your political point of view may be, every entrepreneur can relate to seizing an opportunity when it presents itself. Kihne and Gall are doing just that.
What is Cool Conservative Gear all about?
Stylish, subtle, conservative-message tees, apparel, and giftware for women, men, and kids. We are a part of the “Tea Party” movement and want to get people seeing that the media is definitely biased in its portrayal of the people out there protesting big government.
How did the idea for your company come about?
We went to the September 12 march on Washington for Sheila’s birthday with a group of friends and family. We saw all of the great homemade T-shirts and decided there was a good opportunity to design cute T-shirts that we would wear at home. We threw a home party in November and sold 100 shirts—we knew that we were on to something. We immediately applied for a federal trademark for the phrase “Cool Conservative” and continued to sell at small conservative women’s groups and Republican party events all over the metro area. Since conservatives don’t have Hollywood celebrities who will wear our shirts for free PR, we made sure that high-profile conservatives all had our shirts. We stood in lines to tell them each about our company. Michelle Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Tim Pawlenty, and Mitt Romney all have our shirts. Now, we just need them to get photographed in one!
What are your backgrounds?
Betsy worked in interior design for Shea Designs and also had a retail background. Sheila worked for Xerox, as well as corporate software sales and retail.
How is business going? Do you have any projections for 2010 and beyond?
It’s going very well. We had a huge break when we landed on Fox News Channel in late March. We sold about $25,000 worth of merchandise from the appearance, despite some technical difficulties due to high traffic on our Web site. Our customers are loyal and come back when we launch new designs. Our plan is to add private-label tags to some of our new fall merchandise. We continue to get orders from all over the country.
What events do you have on the horizon?
The 2010 mid-term elections are all compelling events to push business. There is another major Tea Party protest September 12, 2010, and we plan on attending. In addition, we’ll be testing an affiliate sales program this fall.
Based on your experience so far, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Slow and steady wins the race. If you get overwhelmed with a huge opportunity like we did, take the time to regroup and refocus your plan. Understand the challenges of cash-flow management and, of course, be conservative in your planning!
For more information on Cool Conservative, visit coolconservativegear.com
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