We recently connected with Tyler Ostheim and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tyler thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Looking back I was under the impression I needed to have product to sell before any type of action can be taken. As I have learned. Product would appear to be a final step. I should have hired a company initially! To take quality video and photographs and publicize the brand for several months. Showcasing different shirts and hats and making people aware of the brand. Use the first severK thousand dollars in marketing and professional website design as well as photographs. Once the brand has a following, we then drop exclusive lines of apparel.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I will try to keep this answer as brief and concise as possible while providing as much information as possible!

Growing up I loved fishing and have been wearing some type of fishing brand apparel as long as I can remember. As time progressed and I began buying more shirts and the cost of goods went up, it became more difficult to purchase 40-50 dollar shirts that I would wear fishing and stain. As a solution to this, I knew I was able to draw and I could create my own clothes and potentially for less money. As I began down this path, I would find myself often telling inquisitive people that my shirts were one of one’s, and I did not have any extra or inventory. As the circle began growing and friends and family were interested in shirts the idea of a business was developed, Snagged Fishing Apparel.

I really wanted to offer a quality shirt, literally the same exact same shirt material with my designs for substantially less money as a service to people like myself who want good clothes for a fair price. As I have progressed, I have found the difficulty in that business plan haha.

With that, I have pride in the brand and as I know I have not, and I am not trying to reinvent the wheel, I try to offer a unique line of authentic designs. I want to build a community of people and thru the business be able to provide an array of resources such as charitable donations, fundraisers, ministry and outreach. Ultimately using the business as a platform to reach people. The method and plan is always being tinkered with and I am to a position where I am looking to hire part time business help as leaders to help guide and build the brand. It’s a constant challenge but overall been very fun and fulfilling.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I wish I had more value to offer, I feel like I am still such an amateur in the business field. Snagged, is a side hustle for me currently and I am even still trying to come up with the best most efficient way to fund the business.

However, a lesson I would have liked to learn earlier is to build brand recognition before spending the bulk of money on products. Increase demand, and limit offerings initially. As demand increases, increase product. I initially bought a lot of product and struggled to consistently move all inventory which was spent money, holding space in my home.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

As a relatively new business owner I am currently looking to hire and partner with a larger company which will help guide and scale my brand.

With that, my partners and who I truly could not run the business without the help and support of is my family and friends. My cousins and close friends have been unwavering brand ambassadors and spokespersons for Snagged. From being loyal and wearing the apparel to working tents and booths with me on weekends. This is the heart of the company and the ground on which I want the brand to be built.

Contact Info:

• Website: teamsnagged.com
• Instagram: Snagged_Apparel
• Facebook: Snagged Apparel

Image Credits
Photos taken by Red Wave Visuals