How to Own Your Share of the Earscape Market with Experts Lisa Bubbers and Anna Harman from Studs

Welcome back to Found, where we get to the stories behind the startups.

This week, Becca and Dom are joined by Lisa Bubbers and Anna Harman, the co-founders of the ear piercing company Studs. The duo spoke to us about their experiences as founders, from fundraising for a brick-and-mortar company to building a new market and tapping into consumers who may not want to visit a traditional tattoo shop.

What is Studs?

Studs is an ear piercing company that aims to revolutionize the way people get their ears pierced. The company offers a unique experience, combining high-quality piercings with a trendy and modern aesthetic. Lisa and Anna’s vision for Studs is not only to provide excellent service but also to create a welcoming environment where customers feel comfortable and supported throughout the piercing process.

Building a New Market

Lisa and Anna discussed how they identified a gap in the market and created a new niche for themselves. They realized that consumers who are too old for traditional ear piercing shops like Claire’s, but may not want to visit a tattoo parlor, needed an alternative. Studs fills this void by offering a more refined and sophisticated experience.

"We saw an opportunity to create a brand that appeals to a wider demographic," Anna explained. "We wanted to cater to people who are looking for something more premium, but still accessible."

Fundraising for a Brick-and-Mortar Company

Lisa and Anna shared their experiences with fundraising as the co-founders of Studs. They talked about the challenges they faced in securing funding from investors, who were often skeptical about the feasibility of a brick-and-mortar business.

"Many investors didn’t understand our model," Lisa said. "They thought we were just another ear piercing shop, but we’re trying to create an experience that’s unlike anything else out there."

Despite these challenges, Lisa and Anna persevered and eventually secured funding from investors who believed in their vision. They used this capital to open the first Studs location and build a team of experts who share their passion for providing exceptional service.

Complementary Leadership Styles

Lisa and Anna have distinct leadership styles that complement each other perfectly. While Lisa is more outgoing and takes charge, Anna is more introverted but equally driven. They explained how they balance their differences to create a harmonious work environment.

"We have different strengths and weaknesses," Anna said. "We’ve learned to appreciate our individual perspectives and lean into each other’s expertise."

Leadership Tips from Lisa and Anna

Lisa and Anna offered some valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and founders:

• Stay true to your vision: Don’t compromise on what you believe in, even when faced with skepticism or doubt.
• Be open to feedback: Seek out diverse perspectives and use them as an opportunity to learn and grow.
• Surround yourself with the right people: Hire a team that shares your values and is committed to helping you achieve your goals.

Conclusion

Lisa Bubbers and Anna Harman are the perfect example of what it means to be innovative and forward-thinking entrepreneurs. Their commitment to creating a unique experience for their customers has paid off, and Studs is now a household name in the ear piercing industry.

As we conclude this episode, I want to thank Lisa and Anna for sharing their inspiring story with us. Don’t forget to subscribe to Found for more interviews with fascinating founders, each week.

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About the Hosts

• Dominic-Madori Davis: Senior reporter covering venture capital and startups at TechCrunch.
• Rebecca Szkutak: Senior writer covering venture capital trends and startups at TechCrunch.