Katie Kime’s Climb
How Humility & Hustle Built Her Brand
January 30th, 2025 • 6 min read
Katie Kime is no stranger to building something from scratch. The founder and CEO of Katie Kime, a vibrant print-based lifestyle brand, launched her business in Austin, Texas, with a passion for bold design, storytelling, and functional artistry. Since 2013, the brand has grown 70% year over year, landing major collaborations with Anthropologie, FEED, and Scout Design Studio, and catching the attention of celebrities like Brie Larson, Kristen Bell, and Tiffani Thiessen.
But behind the colorful prints and rapid success is a founder who built her company by leaning into what she didn’t know - and making a habit of asking the tough questions.
On her panel at Innovation Show LA, she opened up about the lessons that never stop, the power of saying "I don’t know," and the importance of planning for the unknown.
The Power of Saying "I Don’t Know"
Building a business from scratch is one thing, navigating fundraising, scaling, and the technicalities of business growth is another. A decade into her journey, Katie admits that some lessons never stop coming around, and one of the most valuable skills a founder can develop is the ability to ask for help.
"10 years in, I'm still learning the same [lessons], fundraising is such a journey. I think a really big challenge was not understanding all the nomenclature, so having to dive in and Google, and ask people, and go to a meeting and use the wrong terms. It was a challenge and it's certainly one that I think most early-stage founders face, but you know I kind of ate a lot of crow in that way!"
Many entrepreneurs, especially women founders, feel pressure to have all the answers, but Katie learned that the real power lies in admitting what you don’t know and actively seeking knowledge.
"It sounds simple but I think just owning ‘I don't know what that means, can you please explain that to me?’ I have taken, in the last few months, multiple men in the VC world to lunch and just saying ‘teach me about this’ and ‘tell me about this’ and ‘what happens on this with my cap table?’ It's really the humility of just saying ‘I don't understand.’"
By asking questions, seeking guidance, and building strong relationships, she’s been able to navigate the complexities of business growth without hesitation.
Trends vs. Timeless
In an industry where trends come and go, Katie Kime has built a timeless brand with a strong identity. While some businesses chase whatever is trending, Katie and her team have developed a strategy for staying true to their core aesthetic while incorporating what makes sense.
"We think of it in like a pie chart…So, let's say we take 20% of trends and say it's applicable, and then the rest is ‘this is who we are - stick to it, this is what people come to us for.’"
For a brand rooted in bold color, whimsical storytelling, and timeless design, this balance ensures that Katie Kime stays relevant without losing its identity. And for those wondering about the future of creative consumer goods, Katie has some insight—color and maximalism are here to stay.
"Happy to report I think that maximalism and color is not going anywhere! …People are being more bold in their homes, in their fashion, and we love to see that based on how colorful the brand is."
The Art of Expecting the Unexpected
No founder can predict every challenge, but building a business that can withstand the unknown is key. As someone who naturally thrives in creativity and vision, she recognizes the importance of balancing strengths by bringing in the right partners.
"I just brought on the company’s first CFO… so a finance partner that is always thinking about the risk... I'm just, that's just not the way that I'm wired! Whatever your strength is, finding someone on the opposite side that thinks about risk in a different way. I think for me, interestingly, the more we talk about risk - the more the safer I feel."
Rather than trying to master every aspect of the business herself, Katie has learned that the best way to manage risk is to surround yourself with people who think differently. By finding team members who complement her strengths, she’s been able to approach challenges with greater confidence.
From figuring out fundraising jargon to scaling an ever-growing lifestyle brand, Katie Kime’s success is rooted in a willingness to ask, learn, and evolve.
Whether it's a new collaboration, a fresh trend, or an unexpected business challenge, her approach remains the same: ask the right questions, surround yourself with the right people, and never stop learning.
Explore Katie Kime’s latest collection, including the dreamy Amour Pajamas, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
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