Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Kaupe
Hi Kim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my career in publishing Condé Nast, BRIDES Magazine to be specific. I adored the publishing industry and still look back at my Devil Wears Prada time at Conde Nast with pride knowing I learned a ton and met some of the most interesting people. New York City is where co-founded my first business, ZinePak back in January 2011. At ZinePak we worked with major retailers like Walmart & Target to help them create & promote deluxe version of albums for some of your favorite music artists. But why stop there? As the company grew we turned into The Superfan Company and finally, now, Bright Ideas Only where we created custom fan experiences for music artists, comedians, and talent. We’ve worked with clients like Katy Perry, Paul McCartney, Jordan Peterson, Matt Rife and even Oprah — a pinch-me moment for someone who grew up obsessed with all things pop culture.
After a whirlwind few years, including an appearance on Shark Tank (yes, we did get offers!), I started exploring new ways to share what I’d learned. That’s when I realized my passion for helping other professionals level up their own personal brands and content strategies.
In addition to running Bright Ideas Only with my business partner Abby, I spend my time creating LinkedIn Learning courses, speaking on stages, and helping people show up more confidently online. I believe everyone has a unique story to tell, and my mission is to make sure they’re telling it in the best way possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting my first company at 25 was… well, let’s just say, a bit ambitious. I didn’t have a ton of industry connections. I wasn’t backed by a big network of mentors or advisors. Honestly, I was figuring it all out as I went. But I did have two things that worked in my favor: relentless curiosity and a willingness to put in the work.
In those early days, we were cold emailing potential clients, pitching ideas, and slowly building our reputation from the ground up. It was a grind. No one tells you how awkward it can feel to walk into rooms where you know no one and still have to pitch yourself with confidence. That’s where the resilience kicks in. You just keep showing up, keep doing great work, and eventually, the momentum builds.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is that people often call success “luck.” But what they don’t see is all the prep work you do before those lucky moments hit. You can’t always predict when an opportunity will land in your lap, but you can make sure you’re ready when it does.
For example, when we landed on Shark Tank, that wasn’t just a stroke of luck. We’d been building our business for years, learning from every misstep and every success. We were prepared to tell our story in a way that resonated with people — and that preparation made all the difference.
So, yes, there were struggles: the self-doubt, the slow build, the rejection emails. But those moments taught me grit. They taught me how to bet on myself, even when the odds didn’t look great. And most importantly, they taught me that showing up — again and again — is often the most powerful thing you can do.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Bright Ideas Only, we specialize in creating innovative, fan-focused marketing strategies that connect artists, brands, and organizations with their most passionate supporters – or as we like to call them, superfans. Our expertise lies in designing and producing high-quality merchandise, VIP programs, and branding initiatives that resonate deeply with audiences.
Our client roster includes superstar music talent, national non-profits, major league sports teams, and renowned brands.
Think the NY Mets, Sting, Usher, Shawn Mendes, Nicki Minaj, Baby Shark, Jimmy Buffett, Oprah, Kidz Bop… if it’s been popular in the last 10 years chances are we’ve worked with them!
Our 3 big pillars are…
Merchandise Design and Production: Crafting unique, high-quality products that fans love. (When you buy a t-shirt at Matt Rife’s comedy show you know who made it!)
VIP Programs: Developing exclusive experiences that strengthen fan loyalty. (If you bought a Cyndi Lauper VIP package in 2024 we created all the exclusive merch items you received!)
Branding: Creating cohesive and impactful brand identities that stand out. (If you check out YouTube’s biggest law livestreamer, Emily D Baker, that’s her shop we just finished in 2024 – LawNerdShop.com!)
Our mission is to help talent connect with their audience in meaningful ways, turning casual fans into superfans through creativity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of what makes fan communities thrive.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have so many people in my corner throughout my career — I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
First and foremost, my parents who humored my delirium of “why not me?” as a child and for giving me so much support that I never had to question if it all went to hell what would happen. There is always a couch with my name on it in both of their homes.
When I co-founded my first business, I was lucky to have two awesome parnters in crime, Brittany Hodak and Abby Moffitt, who pushed me to think outside the box and dream bigger. There’s something powerful about building something alongside others who share your values and vision. We learned so much together — how to navigate big wins, big losses, and all the chaos in between.
Along the way, I’ve also had incredible mentors and fellow entrepreneurs who’ve shared advice that helped me level up at crucial moments. There are too many to name. The best support has been from fellow business owners and friends like Codie Sanchez, Vanessa Van Edwards, Helaine Knapp and Myka Meier who have been constant sources of inspiration and reminders that I’m not in this alone. Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, but having that community has made all the difference.
I’ve also been lucky to work with amazing clients who took a chance on me and trusted me to bring their ideas to life. Those partnerships — whether it was with Oprah’s team, Paul McCartney, or teams like the New York Mets — taught me that no matter how big the project, at the end of the day it’s relationships and building trust with other humans.
Lastly, I’d be remiss not to mention every single team member I’ve had over the years at ZinePak, The Superfan Company & Bright Ideas Only. They’re the engine that always kept the train on the tracks and their fingerprints are still felt deeply into my story today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kimkaupe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimkaupe/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimkaupe
Image Credits
all photos provided by Kim Kaupe
