Fast 15: Andrew Gibbs-Dabney
by May 14, 2018 2:29 pm 1,868 views
Andrew Gibbs-Dabney looks to create durable outdoor clothing for people who want to own less and get the most out of their belongings. In late 2017, he developed plans for LIVSN Designs and launched the company Jan. 1. He derived the company name from the Swedish word, “livsnjutare,” meaning one who loves life deeply.
The Fayetteville native hopes to start selling the clothing in late 2018 and is working with a team of seven people, including a Colorado company, to design the clothes. The clothes will use materials such as merino wool and polyester to prevent smell and dry quickly. The company’s apparel will not only be geared for people who like the outdoors or to travel, but also for those who want to wear the clothes daily. And the clothing won’t be bright or flashy so as not to be obvious one’s wearing the same clothing for consecutive days.
He wants to create clothing people value, and the company will offer a lifetime warranty and encourage clothing repairs before replacing items.
“We’re looking to be a very responsible corporate citizen,” Gibbs-Dabney said.
The company is pre-revenue and seeking investors. He plans to start a crowdfunding campaign later this year to raise money for the venture.
In September 2017, Gibbs-Dabney left his position as CEO of clothing company Fayettechill. He served as CEO starting in summer 2016, and was chief operating officer between 2015 and 2016. He was web and logistics manager and warehouse manager, after starting with the comapany as a part-time warehouse worker in 2013.
While he was COO and CEO, Fayettechill’s online sales increased 100%, rising at a faster rate than wholesale sales.
“My passion is in management,” Gibbs-Dabney said, adding he tries to get the best out of people. “I’m a problem solver by nature.” He said he’s been successful because he can work well with others.
In January 2016, Gibbs-Dabney graduated from John Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in organizational management. He’s an Arkansas Master Naturalist and serves on the Mount Kessler Greenways Stewardship Committee and Fayetteville’s Millennial Advisory Panel. He enjoys mountain biking, canoeing and camping.