434: Building a Sustainable Outdoor Brand: How LIVSN Designs Found Success

Summary In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley sat down with Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, founder of LIVSN Designs, a Bentonville-based outdoor apparel company with a mission to create high-quality, versatile clothing for outdoor enthusiasts who value experiences over possessions. Andrew’s vision for LIVSN is clear: make products that last, fit into multiple situations, and help customers "own less, live more." Andrew traced the company's roots back to a personal journey focused on simplifying life, which ultimately inspired LIVSN’s commitment to durability and versatility. The business was initially jump-started via Kickstarter, leveraging community support to raise production funds and validate market fit. Andrew emphasized how in-person events and local connections, like pop-ups and startup crawls, have been vital for the tactile nature of their apparel. Sustainability and community drive every aspect of LIVSN, from rigorous dedication to responsible sourcing and transparency in the supply chain, to innovative repair and resale programs. Andrew explained that true sustainability goes beyond labels; it’s about continual improvement and extending product life cycles. The company’s recent B Corp certification stands as a testament to its holistic approach, valuing people, planet, and profit equally. LIVSN’s story is also one of community ownership, with hundreds of customers investing through campaigns like WeFunder. With intentional product expansion and ongoing partnerships, Andrew’s team is proving that responsible business practices and building trust can compete head-to-head with industry giants. Tune in today! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:59) LIVSN’s Kickstarter Experience  (07:18) Designing by a Set of Principles (12:25) Holistically Building a Business (15:05) Sustainability Through Product Longevity (16:54) Community-Owned Business Vision (21:30) Intentional Growth and Expansion (26:11) 2025 Achievements: B Corp Certification & New Store Opening (28:35) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce Caleb Talley Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Andrew Gibbs-Dabney LIVSN Designs