We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Buxton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always known I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but the idea for ATLAS truly took shape as I was visiting a local maker’s market. I was struck by the number of incredible, unique brands—many of which I had never seen in department stores or high-end retail. As I spoke with hundreds of brand founders and learned about their experiences in retail, it became clear that the system wasn’t built to support their success.

I set out to create a space that puts brands first, giving them control over pricing and product selection within their dedicated sections. After months of cold emailing and visiting maker’s markets, we’re thrilled to have launched our first location with over 100 incredible brands!

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve always believed that a business is nothing without its customers—and with ATLAS, we have two. Our first customers are our partner brands, and the second are the shoppers who walk through our doors.

My goal is to make ATLAS the best possible retail experience for all of our partner brands. We’re committed to working alongside them to grow their businesses and increase their visibility. We provide feedback, guidance, and a platform that truly supports their success.

For in-store customers, I was inspired by businesses like Trader Joe’s where warmth, friendliness, and a fun shopping experience are priorities. We’ve dedicated time to train our team not just to sell products, but to understand each brand’s mission and share their stories to create a more meaningful connection with shoppers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve always loved Westfield Century City since it’s one of my favorite shopping destinations. The ambiance, the quality of stores, and the overall vibe are truly unmatched, so we’re honored to be a part of the Westfield Century City family. We are lucky enough to be located right across from Eataly, which we love for a quick bite, fun snacks, or an authentic Italian meal at their restaurants!

Beyond Westfield Century City, I highly recommend a bike ride in Santa Monica to take in the iconic views and fully embrace the West Coast energy. As for food, there are countless amazing spots, but my go-to is KazuNori for fresh, high-quality sushi and hand rolls.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Lily Koen, the COO of ATLAS, deserves the biggest shoutout. She’s been by my side since eighth grade as my girlfriend and partner in life. Now, nearing six years together, we’ve taken on an exciting and rewarding business partnership, building and growing ATLAS side by side. Lily also took a leap of faith, leaving UC Berkeley with me to pursue this dream. She takes on the organizational side of the business, while I focus on the creative. Lily has played an instrumental role in getting ATLAS to where it is today, and I’m overjoyed to have her on board as my partner and collaborator, both in life and in business.

Website: https://www.atlasstores.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlasstores/?hl=en

Image Credits
ATLAS

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