438: Why Repair Is Easier Than Manufacturing: Inside Upkept’s Disruptive Vision
Mon Jan 12 2026
Summary
On this episode of Startup Junkies, Robin Atkinson, founder and CEO of Upkept Inc., shares her fascinating entrepreneurial journey, which began in the nonprofit arts sector before evolving into building a tech-driven apparel repair company. Hosted by Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley, this lively conversation dives into Robin’s unique approach to solving consumer challenges in the world of clothing repairs.
Robin reflects on her early start in nonprofits, launching an arts collective at seventeen, and the creative problem-solving skills she brought to every role since. Her latest venture, Upkept, aims to make apparel repair accessible and straightforward, transforming an industry where price transparency and convenience have been lacking. She candidly discusses the tough early days of a startup, referencing the “trough of despair” every founder knows well, and highlights how humor, self-awareness, and a bit of delusional optimism keep her moving forward.
Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at Upkept’s operations, how their Repair Wizard simplifies the process for customers, and why keeping clothes longer is vital for both your wallet and the planet. Robin also offers advice to fellow entrepreneurs, emphasizing that grit, adaptability, and community support are key ingredients for success.
For anyone contemplating the realities of building something new, Robin delivers honest insights, actionable advice, and a refreshing reminder: if you create a genuinely useful service, people will find you. Tune in today!
Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(03:37) The Journey of Starting a Nonprofit
(05:58) Tackling Startup Challenges and Slow Progress
(12:18) Optimizing Simplicity and Transparency
(15:30) Building a Niche Industry
(17:44) Overcoming Workforce Barriers
(20:53) Defining Minimum Value Product Before Branding
(29:32) Direct-to-Consumer Growth Potential
(34:09) Closing Thoughts
Links
Daniel Koonce
Caleb Talley
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Robin Atkinson
Upkept Inc.
More
Summary On this episode of Startup Junkies, Robin Atkinson, founder and CEO of Upkept Inc., shares her fascinating entrepreneurial journey, which began in the nonprofit arts sector before evolving into building a tech-driven apparel repair company. Hosted by Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley, this lively conversation dives into Robin’s unique approach to solving consumer challenges in the world of clothing repairs. Robin reflects on her early start in nonprofits, launching an arts collective at seventeen, and the creative problem-solving skills she brought to every role since. Her latest venture, Upkept, aims to make apparel repair accessible and straightforward, transforming an industry where price transparency and convenience have been lacking. She candidly discusses the tough early days of a startup, referencing the “trough of despair” every founder knows well, and highlights how humor, self-awareness, and a bit of delusional optimism keep her moving forward. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at Upkept’s operations, how their Repair Wizard simplifies the process for customers, and why keeping clothes longer is vital for both your wallet and the planet. Robin also offers advice to fellow entrepreneurs, emphasizing that grit, adaptability, and community support are key ingredients for success. For anyone contemplating the realities of building something new, Robin delivers honest insights, actionable advice, and a refreshing reminder: if you create a genuinely useful service, people will find you. Tune in today! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (03:37) The Journey of Starting a Nonprofit (05:58) Tackling Startup Challenges and Slow Progress (12:18) Optimizing Simplicity and Transparency (15:30) Building a Niche Industry (17:44) Overcoming Workforce Barriers (20:53) Defining Minimum Value Product Before Branding (29:32) Direct-to-Consumer Growth Potential (34:09) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce Caleb Talley Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Robin Atkinson Upkept Inc.