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Veteran-Owned Business of the Week: Hollywood Powder Co.
Do you find yourself chafed, and possibly musty, after a long day at work? Pop Smoke Media’s Veteran-owned business of the week, Hollywood Powder Co. (HPC), has you covered.
HPC sells body powder, gym chalk, and a variety of apparel, keeping you fresh regardless of context. Pop Smoke Media spoke to the brand’s owner and CEO Josh Steffens about what makes their products a step above the competition.
Steffens initially spoke about how serving in the Army and armed services impacted the brand’s product direction. He said, “Our first product we developed was only because we ran out of talcum powder out in the field. Due to chafing and all-around saltiness, we decided we could create something that not only lasted longer than baby powder, but smelled better too.”
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Powder with a Purpose
Adding to this, Steffens mentioned that all of HPC’s designs have a noticeable military flavor to them. Whether that be the slang, or the symbolism
HPC began with body powders, which were used in the field before the business even took off. Steffens recalled, “We brought our powder to share while in the field with other service members and started getting great reviews. After a couple uses, we had people asking for more.” And that, “In the beginning we didn’t think of this as a business but more a group of guys creating something practical for anyone who wears shoes or sweats.”
Steffens also reflected that “We essentially wanted our own blend that would leave us smelling better than an infant or geriatric.” The brand’s creators managed to accomplish this, while also avoiding using talcum powder which has been linked to harmful side effects.
HPC continues to supply body powders to enlisted military, and has since branched out by providing chalk to MLB teams and CrossFit gyms across the country. The brand is currently attempting to begin a partnership with NFL affiliates as well.
According to Steffens, “Personally, I use our body powders the most. I use the body powder every day at a minimum in my shoes or boots. It kills any odor and does a phenomenal job at keeping footwear dry.”
To top off all of this, HPC has “always taken pride in being unapologetically patriotic. We place special emphasis on supporting those in their individual pursuit of happiness.”
A Word from the Owner
“Every year we donate 100’s of bottles of body powder to service members deployed. If you know anyone who is either deployed or stationed outside the US you can send their information to info@hollywoodpowerco.com. As for Gyms interested in sampling our chalk, they can reach out to us and we will ship at no cost to them, we only ask for a written review on the website. As with every order that ships, we always are looking for feedback, good bad, and or ugly we would love to hear from you.” – Owner and CEO of Hollywood Powder Co., Josh Steffens
