In Part 2 of this Après Business conversation, we’re back with the incredibly honest and inspiring Kelly Mazanti, founder of Buttnski, the women-led outdoor brand that’s flipping the script on performance gear—starting from the bottom (literally). If Part 1 was all about how it started, this one is all about where it’s going.

Kelly opens up about her plans to build Buttnski into a full head-to-toe lifestyle brand, what she’s learned about sustainability from her partnership with CU Boulder, and how she’s completely rethinking her marketing game—on a budget. We talk product development, fit obsession, burnout, rebuilding after a tough year, and the moment she decided: I’m done being a one-woman show.

This episode is a mix of strategy, raw emotion, and real founder energy that anyone building a brand will connect with.

Listen here:

Spotify

Quotables:

“If your butt is cold, your day is done.” - Kelly Mazanti

“I’ve decided I’m not going to be a one-woman show anymore. That feels powerful.”
“Arguably the most sustainable product is my mom’s fleece shorts from the 80s that still haven’t disintegrated.” - Kelly Mazanti

“You can either work in your business or on your business—but you can’t do both forever.” - Kelly Mazanti

“It’s never too late to move toward something that brings you more freedom and happiness.” - Kelly Mazanti

What You’ll Learn:

• How Kelly is scaling Buttnski from two products to a full head-to-toe outdoor kit

• The reality of designing women’s gear that actually fits—and why it's so damn hard

• How she's rethinking sustainability through circular design and gear longevity

• What it’s like to hit a personal and professional low—and how to come back stronger

• Why building the right team (and letting go of doing everything yourself) changes everything

• How to create fun, low-budget content that reflects your brand’s soul

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Fit is everything: If you nail the fit for women, you earn loyalty—and repeat customers

• Start with bottoms, scale from there: Like Levi’s and Lululemon, Buttnski is building from the butt up

• Sustainability starts with quality: Durability matters more than buzzwords

• Raising a seed round is about more than money: It’s about stepping into a new chapter and asking for help

• You don’t need a perfect content strategy—just authenticity and fun

• Community is everything: Fellow female founders, mentors, and even strangers can be the fuel you need

People and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Buttnski – buttnski.com | IG: @buttnski

• CU Boulder Masters of the Environment Program – sustainability & circularity partners

• Geartrade – geartrade.com – resale platform for used outdoor gear

• Robin Hall – Founder of Town Hall Outdoor Co., past podcast guest, mentor

• Jiberish – Streetwear & ski lifestyle brand Kelly hopes to collab with

• RIPTON – Another dream collab brand

• Other female founder shoutouts: Emma, Anna, Sarah Ryan

Connect with Becca:

• Instagram: @falllinedigital

• Website: falllinedigital.com

• Email: podcast@falllinedigital.com