How Do You Start a Business When You Have a Great Idea But No Experience in the Industry? Melanie Travis was inspired by a 'horrendous' experience to start her swimwear and intimates company for the modern woman.

By James McKinney • Aug 25, 2021

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Melanie Travis is the founder and CEO of Andie, a swimwear and intimates brand created for women from size 0 to 26. It's designed for the modern woman, for all of life's occasions. Travis started the company in order to solve what she describes as a "horrendous" shopping experience, and her then-boss, Matt Meeker, allowed her the time and resources to pursue her plan.

Within months, Andie was up and running, funded by a Kickstarter campaign. Today, the company markets itself as a brand for the modern woman that relies on the power of storytelling to move forward. Listen to a snippet of her interview with James McKinney above or listen to the full podcast here.

James McKinney

Creator & Host, The Startup Story

James McKinney is the Founder & Host of The Startup Story, a multi-channel brand platform that brings the lessons of highly successful founders directly to the everyday founder. Whether it is through The Startup Story podcast or via the Startup Story LIVE event series, entrepreneurs everywhere can receive tactical and practical guidance from founders who are a few steps ahead.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

How Do You Start a Business When You Have a Great Idea But No Experience in the Industry? Melanie Travis was inspired by a 'horrendous' experience to start her swimwear and intimates company for the modern woman.

Editor's Pick

Most Popular

3 Secrets to Starting a Small Business Side Hustle That Gives Your Day Job a Run for Its Money, According to People Who Did Just That — and Made Millions

Jeff Bezos and Amazon Execs Used An Encrypted Messaging App to Talk About 'Sensitive Business Matters,' FTC Alleges

'My Mouth Dropped': Woman Goes Viral For Sharing Hilarious Cake Decorating Mishap at Walmart

Your Clients Could Be Using AI to Clone Your Business Without Your Consent. Here Are 6 Alarmingly Simple Steps That Could Wipe Out Your Business in Minutes.

Elon Musk Reveals His Tactics for Building Successful Companies, Including Sleeping Under His Desk and 'Working Every Waking Hour'

Ring Camera Owners Will Receive $5.6 Million in Payments After FTC-Amazon Settlement. Here's How Many Customers Are Eligible — And How They'll Get the Cash.

How Do You Start a Business When You Have a Great Idea But No Experience in the Industry? Melanie Travis was inspired by a 'horrendous' experience to start her swimwear and intimates company for the modern woman.

Editor's Pick Red Arrow

Most Popular Red Arrow

3 Secrets to Starting a Small Business Side Hustle That Gives Your Day Job a Run for Its Money, According to People Who Did Just That — and Made Millions

Jeff Bezos and Amazon Execs Used An Encrypted Messaging App to Talk About 'Sensitive Business Matters,' FTC Alleges

'My Mouth Dropped': Woman Goes Viral For Sharing Hilarious Cake Decorating Mishap at Walmart

Your Clients Could Be Using AI to Clone Your Business Without Your Consent. Here Are 6 Alarmingly Simple Steps That Could Wipe Out Your Business in Minutes.

Elon Musk Reveals His Tactics for Building Successful Companies, Including Sleeping Under His Desk and 'Working Every Waking Hour'

Ring Camera Owners Will Receive $5.6 Million in Payments After FTC-Amazon Settlement. Here's How Many Customers Are Eligible — And How They'll Get the Cash.

Editor's Pick

Most Popular