{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Uncommon Brands","title":"From college runner to launching a Kenyan-inspired brand, Chris Hough, Artiken","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/79ed01d7\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2433,"description":"Chris Hough is the founder and owner of Artiken. In this episode, he shares how he transitioned from an employee at Nike to building a high-growth brand centered around the iconic handmade bracelets worn by elite Kenyan distance runners.Chris shares his journey of identifying a gap in the marketplace and going \"all in\" on Artiken in 2019. This episode is packed with insights on scaling a brand, the importance of product customization, and the operational reality of managing a global supply chain rooted in Kenyan craftsmanship.What was covered:From Nike to Founder: Chris’s journey from working at Nike to the \"all in\" moment of founding his own DTC brand.The product idea spark: How Artiken brought the coveted, handmade bracelets of Olympic medalists to the global running community.The 80/20 Rule: Why Chris is \"scoping down\" the product line to focus on the core items that drive the majority of revenue.The Power of Customization: How his background with Nike ID influenced a strategy where custom products now drive 30% of business.Handmade at Scale: The logistics and rewards of managing a supply chain consisting of local artisans in Kenya.Next Steps: The upcoming launch of the \"Alter Ego\" collection and Artiken's aggressive move into the wholesale market.Artiken Links:Website: https://artiken.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artiken/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artiken?lang=enParker Nash Links:Website: parkertnash.comLinkedIn: Parker Nash","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/rqK0nk6Mp10QG2x-dto6NB2q6ig2iitZ26jaxSutOcU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jMWIx/MmZkYjI2MGU0ZmQ2/NTIyMTUxMmE3ZTQ5/MmUxMC5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}