Most people overlook problems that feel too small. Scott Hughes didn’t and that decision built a global brand.
What started as frustration with how tattoos were healed turned into Saniderm, a company now trusted in over 100 countries. In this episode, Scott shares how one overlooked detail in an overlooked industry became the foundation for everything: his product, his business, and eventually, his exit.
From handing out samples in tattoo shops to building real trust with artists, Scott walks through the pivots, setbacks, and mindset that took him from corporate burnout to building something with staying power. If you’ve ever had a good idea and wondered if it’s worth pursuing—this conversation might change how you think about risk, sales, and success.
Chapters
0:00 - Intro: Saniderm Origin Story
6:20 - Branding, Positioning, & Nailing the Name
12:30 - Struggles of Selling in a Taboo Industry
20:00 - Tattoo Legalization & Market Shift
23:30 - Competition, First Online Sales & Scaling
27:40 - International Expansion & Retail Domination
31:00 - Direct to Consumer Pivot & Product Line Growth
34:20 - Leadership, Mentorship & Playing the Long Game
44:50 - Life After the Exit
Connect with Scott
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rscotth421
