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

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

Author: Startup Junkie December 1, 2025 Duration: 29:28

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


Hosted by Jeff Amerine and the practical minds at Startup Junkie Consulting, The Startup Junkies Podcast digs into the real work of building a company. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a direct conversation on the stages every founder faces. You'll hear discussions on moving from a raw idea to a proven concept, the intricacies of strategic planning, and the daily grind of scaling operations. Episodes tackle leadership under pressure, effective marketing without a massive budget, and even the long-game considerations of exit strategies. The core of the podcast is built on conversations with those who have been in the trenches-seasoned business owners, resilient entrepreneurs, and specialists who offer actionable advice. The focus is consistently on tangible value, providing insights that can be applied directly to your own challenges. Tune in for a grounded perspective that aims to help you navigate each critical decision, pushing your venture forward one practical step at a time. It’s a resource for anyone who prefers honest talk about business growth over empty inspiration.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Startup Junkies Podcast
Podcast Episodes
13: Sabor y Tradición Guatemalteca con Mauricio Guerrero [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:19
Summary En este episodio de Startup Junkies En Español, conversamos con Mauricio Guerrero, propietario de 211 Café en Bentonville. Mauricio nos comparte su historia que inicia en Guatemala, su pasión por el café, las adv…
388: From Concept to Crypto: Building an NFT Platform [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:32
Summary In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Harrison Kitson and Daniel Koonce welcome Josh Owen and Daniel Fritsche to talk about their NFT trading platform, TradePort, which is the most comprehensive multi-chain N…
12: Sin Prisa pero sin Pausa con Diego Morales Ibarra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:55
Summary En este episodio, nos sumergimos en la inspiradora historia de Diego Morales Ibarra, un líder comunitario dedicado y multifacético. Diego, originario de Guanajuato, México, nos comparte su viaje desde sus inicios…
386: Putting Life Before Work with LifeWork Talent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:43
Summary In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Daniel Koonce are joined by Rachel Heisten and Alissa Owsley, founding partners of LifeWork Talent, a consulting service helping organizations unl…
Business Buzz Ep. 5: Folly, Parks, and Cocktail Clubs with Lewis Chase [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:48
Summary On episode 5 of Business Buzz, host Daniel Koonce welcomes Fayetteville’s own Lewis Chase, one of the founders of Feed and Folly, City Park, and Guisinger Cocktail Club. Daniel and Lewis discuss Lewis’s backgroun…
11: De Pasíon a Negocio con Azalia Molina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:49
Summary En este emocionante episodio, nos acompaña Azalia Molina, la talentosa dueña de Clever NWA, una destacada agencia de marketing que ha revolucionado el panorama empresarial. Azalia nos guía a través de su increíbl…
383: Eat My Catfish: A Journey of Grit, Gratitude, and Giving Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:09
Summary In this episode of the Startup Junkies Podcast, hosts Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Harrison Kitson are joined by Travis Hester, founder of Eat My Catfish, a successful catfish and seafood restaurant in Fayette…