Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Moore.
Justin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My path is a little winding but not quite as random as a corporate lawyer turned skincare company founder suggests. You could say that I literally grew up in my dad’s dermatologists office; there was a swing in the office for me when I was really young.
I’ve never had any interest in becoming one myself (my older brother took that route), but it’s fair to say that I’ve always cared more about skin and shaving more than the average person. I’m a born and raised Houstonian (Roberts Elementary, T.H. Rogers Middle, Strake Jesuit College Prep). I’ve left a few times (school & work) but have always known that Houston is home.
Graduated from Georgetown University in 2009 (B.S. Marketing) where I played college football (defensive back) and worked for a year for the family business before starting law school at the University of Texas. Graduated in 2013 and went to work for Vinson & Elkins LLP, a Houston based international law firm where I specialized in Mergers & Acquisitions, Capital Markets, Private Equity and Shareholder Activism primarily in the Houston office with a stint in the New York City office.
I liked being a corporate lawyer, but I’ve always felt drawn to being an entrepreneur. I used to sell my lunch in elementary school to kids who didn’t like the cafeteria food; until I got caught, that is. I saved up my money in middle school to buy a CD burner and sold burned CD’s; never got caught and I’m pretty sure the statute of limitations has run on that. I had a nagging feeling that even if I had a very successful and lucrative career as a corporate lawyer, I would look back and regret that I never rolled the dice and bet on myself.
In January 2017, I took the leap and started Holly Hall Supply Co., a dermatologist-developed line of skin care products with an emphasis on shaving. We launched our Kickstarter campaign in July 2017 and surpassed our goal of $20,000 by raising $27,000 in 30 days. Hurricane Harvey postponed production a bit, but we were able to fulfill Kickstarter pledges and open our electronic doors in November 2017.
In addition to selling online at HollyHallSupply.com, we’ve started selling at various barbershops, boutiques and menswear stores throughout Houston as well as our Pop Up Shave Shop events where we bring a master barber to deliver complimentary shaves to guests using our Hydrating Shave Gel.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I literally started laughing when I read “has it been a smooth road.” Fortunately, there have not been any “bet the company” decisions that have had to be made, but the journey has been anything but smooth.
In the beginning, I made decisions based on a lot of untested assumptions (e.g., what various markets are looking for. what demand patterns would look like). The best I can summarize is that I was like a squirrel that would go pick up every nut that fell to the ground rather than focuses on key drivers for the business. That resulted in a lot of time and money being spent on ideas that didn’t pan out or weren’t a great return on investment.
I’ve learned to test before I spend any meaningful resources whether that be time or money. I’m still prone to wandering eyes rather than laser focus from time to time, but I’ve gotten a lot better at identifying when I’m starting to stray and evaluating if it’s time to shift focus or if I need to stay the course.
Also, at times entrepreneurship can be an emotional roller coaster. I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t expect it to be so emotionally and mentally draining. Never getting too high on your successes or too low on your failures is a lesson from my football days that I try to incorporate to cope with this cycle.
Please tell us about Holly Hall Supply Co.
We create and sell dermatologist developed skin care and shaving products. Our best seller is our Hydrating Shave Gel with patented Clear Shave Technology that reduces nicks and cuts to deliver the perfect close, clean shave every time.
A lot of brands out that their products are dermatologist tested and you never know what that means. We include over 40 years of dermatology experience into the development of each and every product we create.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Winning a state championship in competitive soccer with the Bellaire Bruise. I played with that same group for so long, and we became so close that it was an amazing experience to achieve that success with them.
Pricing:
- Hydrating Shave Gel – $18
- Revitalizing Daily Face Wash – $18
- Daily Repair Moisturizer – $18
- Organic Beard Oil – $14
- Essentials Shave Kit (Includes Shave Gel, Face Wash & Moisturizer) – $45 (saves $9)
Contact Info:
- Website: HollyHallSupply.com
- Phone: 832-819-5074
- Email: hello@hollyhallsupply.com
- Instagram: @hollyhallsupply
- Facebook: Facebook.com/hollyhallsupply
- Twitter: Twitter.com/hollyhallsupply
Image Credit:
Unique James
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
