Kennedy, what were you doing before starting Daily Drills, and how did the concept come about?
Before Daily Drills, I was fresh out of college, immersed in startup life, working for a CPG brand in the health and wellness space. During the pandemic, my best friend and business partner, Mary Ralph, and I started brainstorming business ideas. She was already a successful influencer, and I knew anything she was passionate about would succeed. One night, I just texted her asking if she wanted to start an activewear company, and that’s how Daily Drills was born.
How did you and Mary Ralph meet and decide to collaborate?
We initially met virtually through a collaborative fashion account and later moved to L.A. for college. Our complementary skills and shared passion for marketing and creativity made us perfect business partners. We split our roles naturally, with me leaning more towards operations and strategy, while Mary Ralph brings her creative vision to the forefront.
What was your first successful product, and how did it shape your business model?
Our first major hit was a crew neck that gained quick momentum and established our drop-based business model. Originally, we intended to focus on activewear, but this early success in loungewear led us to explore and expand into other categories organically.
Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self when starting Daily Drills?
I would tell myself not to take things too seriously at the beginning. It’s important to have fun and see where the journey takes you, whether it leads to building a big brand or just exploring new skill sets.
Can you share a bit about how your partnership with Mary Ralph works in Daily Drills?
Our partnership thrives on our differences. We sat down early on to divide tasks based on what we each love and hate about day-to-day operations. This approach has allowed us to focus on our strengths and trust each other implicitly, enhancing our productivity and creativity.
What are some of the core products of Daily Drills, and how do you keep things fresh and engaging?
Daily Drills is a lifestyle brand that thrives on spontaneity and fun. We're known for our loungewear but also offer resort wear, swimwear, and seasonal pieces. Our brand is destination-inspired, allowing us to bring fresh and exciting aesthetics from around the world into our collections.
Any parting thoughts on entrepreneurship and managing a fast-growing business?
The journey of building Daily Drills has taught me the importance of flexibility and resilience. Starting with simple ideas and being willing to pivot quickly has allowed us to navigate the challenges of demand planning and product launches effectively.
