Small business: Buckskin & Mane spices up grooming for guys
Robert Mason, 28, Lukas Biebinger, 27, and Luke Yerrick, 27, founded Buckskin & Mane, an organic men’s grooming company, in March 2015.
“We want to change the way that men perceive grooming,” Biebinger said. “Most men have no idea what to buy for themselves and end up borrowing from their girlfriend, boyfriend or roommate. So, we decided that we would start by producing premium quality men’s products and then educate men on the benefits of each one.”
Buckskin & Mane is growing quickly in the Charlotte market. It was one of 20 applicants for Charlotte Business Resources’ Social Media Takeover. The company is 100 percent veteran owned and operated and very involved in the community, which helped it win the social media package.
It received $1,000 worth of social media advertising for the month of May and a documentary-style video to show how small businesses work together to achieve success. Buckskin & Mane was also honored at the “What’s Your Game Plan?” small business month event in May.
In case you missed it, here's the local business we'll be showcasing all month long! https://t.co/U3XkaVEqhA #cltmonthofbiz @buckskinmane
— CBR Biz (@CBRbiz) May 3, 2016
Lukas Biebinger, Mayor Jennifer Roberts, Robert Mason, Luke Yerrickat at “Whats’s Your Game Plan?”
Buckskin & Mane products are made with all-natural and organic ingredients sourced in the US. They are handcrafted in small quantities using aloe vera juice as a base.
Its products may be purchased at CoCo and the Director, a pop-up on Sept. 4 at Front Porch Sunday at the Shook Kelley Building or online:
• Aspen Bark Oil-free Moisturizer 4oz – $32.00
• Aspen Bark Oil-Free moisturizer 2oz – $17.00
• Sunflower Seed Hydrating Shave Cream 4oz – $19.00
• Fresh Hemp with Omega-3 | 3-IN-1 Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash 8oz – $26.00
• Camo Beard Oil 1oz – $19.00
Robert Mason answered five questions for C5’s Small Business Series:
(1) Who are your customers?
“Generally men. However, women love our Aspen Bark Oil-Free moisturizer. That’s actually our top seller. Men who want to care about their appearance buy our products.”
(2) What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
“Time, lots and lots of time. Less time at home, more time at the office and in the lab. Less time for a social life. Financial sacrifices, taking risks – going for it.”
(3) Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
“Don’t be afraid to take the next step in order to take your business to the next level. Don’t wait or it will never happen. Stay consistent, transparent and genuine.”
(4) What are your ideals?
“I really want to change the way men perceive grooming. It’s OK to take care of your skin and hair. I want men to understand the importance of choosing the right products and all of the health benefits behind them.”
(5) What systems have you set up in your business to help it grow?
“We’ve set up roles for each owner. We have remained consistent with our brand although our business model has changed significantly since its inception. We’ve also taken the advice from our business mentors and surrounded ourselves with like-minded entrepreneurs. We believe in collaboration over competition.”
Family history and my own fascination with people and their motivations prompted me to begin this series about Charlotte’s small business owners. Industry, situation and questions will vary. Have a suggestion for a small business owner or entrepreneur to interview? Email it to vanessainfanzon@gmail.com with the subject line “Small Business Series.”
Photos: Buckskin & Mane
This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Small business: Buckskin & Mane spices up grooming for guys."