Kompass Apparel LLC
Loveland, Colorado
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Kynsi: Kompass Apparel LLC
Photo courtesy Manuel Trujillo
My name is Kynsi Saye and I am the owner of an active lifestyle clothing brand, Kompass Apparel. I am based out of Loveland, Colorado. I started Kompass just under 5 years ago after graduating from Colorado State University in hopes of motivating people to “Find Their Path” in life and pursue their wildest dreams. I grew up in Colorado, which has inspired me to create designs that resemble the outdoors. I design all the artwork out of my home and it is printed by my friend and his screen printing business in Denver, Blackout Screenprint.
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
My business name signifies finding your path in life. I wanted a name that was simple and easy to remember. Kompass seemed to fit that criteria perfectly. I remember drawing it out and I loved the way it looked. To put my own unique twist on it, I changed the spelling and added a "K" to resemble my first name!
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
My signature style is very laid back and casual. I have been told that people are drawn to my "clean and simple" designs. My "Find Your Path" Mountain logo is one that has always been a best seller and one that I would call my signature item.
What makes your business unique to the industry?
First off, my artwork makes my business unique in the sense that I have seen nothing like it in the industry. Also, I only use tri-blend materials making all my products extremely soft and comfortable. Keeping my production process local is one thing I have always believed in. If I have a friend or a local business that screen prints, embroiders, makes promotional items etc. I will always choose them over a corporation. Kompass strives to support local businesses and be a leader in the small business community.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
Keeping inventory stock levels at the level they need to be at has been a huge challenge and learning curve. With my products being sold in various stores throughout Colorado, it has been challenging to keep the correct amount of inventory available when it is needed, while still being fully stocked for events that I do. It is always a game of what people are going to buy most, what sizes, what colors and what design. It requires a ton of market research and trend analysis! Luckily, with experience I have learned the seasons at which retailers buy the most and what styles they are going to be needing. I have also gained insight on each type of event that I do and what the target market of that event is, which has made it easier to gauge which products to bring to that event.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
When Covid-19 hit, all of my events were cancelled, all of my retailers were forced to close and there was no sight of how I was going to make sales other than online. I created a "Love Local Campaign" where 50% of each purchase was donated to a small local business in Colorado. I designed a logo specific to this collection and reached out to all my business-owner friends as well as any other small business I could find. This campaign far exceeded my expectations and I was able to help out so many small businesses including some of my retailers. It was amazing! Because of Covid-19 I was able to find my passion for serving and helping others through Kompass.
Photo courtesy of Geri Saye
What is your favorite part of what you do?
Networking with other business owners, meeting all my customers and seeing how happy my clothing makes people! I remember I was at an outdoor event selling my products and a girl came up to me and said that one of my designs, my Wilderness design, spoke to her and made her soul happy. That is exactly why I do what I do! If I can make an impact in someones life and inspire them to follow their path then I have succeeded!
What is your *must do* local activity?
I love going out to breakfast, Toast in downtown Littleton is a favorite. I also love Kombucha, Turtle Mountain Fermentery in Fort Collins has the best Kombucha!
Where to find Compass Apparel LLC:
Online: www.kompass-apparel.com
Instagram: @kompass.apparel
Facebook: Facebook.com/kompassapparelllc