8th and 9th Grade Entrepreneurs Launch The Bro Shop in Madison

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June 11, 2020

If you ever need a pep in your step and some sunshine in your day, try giving a 12-year-old a call who’s just launched his own business. It’ll inspire you in all kinds of unexpected ways.

Meet David Faulk and Lamir Whitlow, step-brothers and co-owners of The Bro Shop.

The Bro Shop was established in early 2020 and consists of products that help keep others motivated and fueled mentally and physically, such as positive t-shirts, keychains, stickers, post-workout snacks, and much more.

Faulk, 12, and Whitlow, 13, dreamed up the idea for The Bro Shop after noticing some free space in their parent’s new athletic training facility, The Compound.

“I never knew how fun owning a business could be,” says Faulk.

Faulk says that their flagship product is their t-shirt.

Available in four colors – white, black, pink, and mint – the shirt features the phrase “Get through it” on the front.

“We want to remind everybody that no matter what they are facing or going through in life, that it’s already inside of you to get through it.”

On the back, it says “The dream is free, the hustle sold separately”.

Faulk says that the idea of the shirt was born from witnessing the different emotions and struggles that their peers face.

“Kids go through all kinds of things, and we just want to always remind them to get through it.”

Though their t-shirt design was inspired by youth, Faulk says that it’s designed to be purchased and worn by adults too.

“One of the best parts of running The Bro Shop is seeing people smile when they get their shirts,” says Faulk.

Shirts can be purchased via this online form, through the Cash app or Venmo, or in-store at The Compound. If ordering via an app, please make sure to include your color preference, size, and address. Shirts are $20 each or $30 for two.

As for what’s next for The Bro Shop, Faulk says they have list of plans to expand, first with apparel bottoms to match their t-shirts.

I also couldn’t miss the opportunity to chat with Faulk about his experience dabbling with the entrepreneur world at such a young age.

“COVID-19 really allowed us to hone in on our business. We had to learn to do this outside of the classroom because skills like these aren’t taught in our schools. Being out of school gave us the time to learn and figure it out.”

Faulk said that he and Whitlow are passionate about trying to help other kids launch their own businesses as well.

“We have always wanted to empower other kids to start their own business. We want them to change the world.”

Faulk said that his mom has given him a lot of guidance that he now hopes to share with his friends that want to start their own businesses too.

Faulk says that he is proud to run this business with his step-brother and believes it adds value to their story as a blended family. He says they are planning for their futures and are looking forward to all that they will learn through The Bro Shop.