Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kevin Breedlove. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kevin, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The Native Species name came from a thoughtful and intentional process. As a partner at a branding and design firm, we do a lot of naming, and one thing I’ve learned is that a name can be both everything and nothing. It’s important to land on something that resonates—relevant, easy to remember—but ultimately, it’s the experience and the quality behind it that matter most. Even the best name falls flat if it’s not backed by exceptional products and service, while a less-than-perfect name can still succeed if the delivery is outstanding.

We drew inspiration from our local environment—plants, animals, people, and places—all representing a connection to home. The name Native Species allows us to form a meaningful bond with where we live, while remaining abstract enough to avoid being too literal. It gives us the flexibility to expand into new cities, collaborate with local artists, and support wildlife causes, a personal passion. Native Species sparks intrigue and helps us stand out as a brand, while also being distinctive enough to secure trademark protection, which is no small feat in today’s saturated market.

Kevin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I entered this industry through my 20+ year journey as a graphic designer, which evolved into creative direction and ultimately brand strategy. These transitions converged into what began as a passion project and has now transformed into a venture in the hat and apparel business.

What sets Native Species apart is our deep connection to the feeling of home. Home means different things to different people, but ultimately, it’s the place where you feel a strong, authentic bond. It’s that forever feel-good spot where you resonate with both the people and the environment. Our aim is to embody a sense of belonging and hometown pride in everything we create. At the end of the day, we’re just striving to make things that we hope people love and want to wear.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

At the core of Native Species is a meticulous attention to detail. Whether it’s the design process, the fit, the materials, or the quality, we obsess over every aspect. Adopting a boutique mentality, we don’t just create products to sell; we craft pieces that we’re genuinely excited to wear ourselves. This commitment to consistency is essential for us.

It’s about delivering genuine value and building meaningful connections with various communities. By focusing on long-term success, we’ve prioritized sustainable growth over quick wins. This “slow nickel vs. fast dime” mindset has allowed us to build trust and foster a loyal following that truly understands our brand.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new customers for Native Species has definitely been through real-life, organic connections. Rather than relying heavily on paid social ads, we focus on getting our hats onto the heads of the right people—whether that’s influencers, brand ambassadors, or even just passionate fans. When people see our hats being worn and loved by their friends or trusted figures, it creates a ripple effect. The power of peer influence is real, and it’s far more effective than traditional ads.

When these individuals choose to share their experiences on social media, we often see an immediate spike in sales. Giving away our product strategically has been one of our most powerful marketing tactics because seeing it in a real-world context resonates with people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nativespecies.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nativespeciesshop