Meet Katie Fuller | Entrepreneur

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

Hi Katie, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for AK Tallow was born out of a personal need and a desire to help other moms in Colorado. It all started with the challenging dry climate in Colorado, which led to the creation of AK’s tallow whips for personal use to combat the LITERAL mummifying weather. The real turning point came when the tallow proved effective in soothing a child’s diaper rash after other “clean” skincare products failed.
This discovery sparked a passion, leading Allie and me (the “A” and “K” of AK Tallow) to share our homemade product with friends and family. As demand grew, so did the realization that there was a significant need for a trustworthy source of non-toxic skincare for families. My entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a mission to support other mothers, pushed us to scale production and create an e-commerce brand.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
AK Tallow is a natural skincare company specializing in pure, potent formulations grounded in grass-fed tallow. What began as a personal solution for combating the region’s dry climate evolved into a business after discovering the remarkable effectiveness of tallow whips. Our core product line revolves around the nourishing power of ethically sourced grass-fed tallow, known for its rich content of skin-compatible vitamins (A, D, E, K) and essential fatty acids. Every item, from our versatile tallow whips to our specialized lip balms and brightening creams, is handcrafted in small batches right here in Northern Colorado.

AK Tallow is above its competitors through our unwavering commitment to quality and transparency, starting with our meticulous sourcing of grass-fed, regenerative tallow from sustainable Northern Colorado farms, ensuring cattle are raised ethically without harmful chemicals and yielding nutrient-packed product. Our formulations are non-toxic and nutrient-dense, featuring tallow as the hero ingredient and combining it with organic skin-loving oils, offering peace of mind for those seeking truly clean skincare. Every product, from our whips to lip balms and soap bars, is whipped up in small batches right here in Northern Colorado, a handcrafted process that allows for strict quality control and infuses each item with a “mother’s touch.” This dedication also results in versatility for the whole family and a natural evolution of products, as our tallow has multiple uses, from soothing dry skin, natural SPF, wind protection, and simplifying skincare routines with a pure solution.

I actually started my career in the corporate world, transitioned to the non-profit sector, and now, here I am, building a business from the ground up. Each phase taught me invaluable lessons, but nothing compares to the hands-on education of entrepreneurship. Was it easy? Absolutely not. The biggest hurdle was the sheer scope of what I didn’t know. Suddenly, I wasn’t just passionate about tallow and helping other mamas; I was a student of supply chain management, e-commerce logistics, digital marketing, and brand building. Balancing these new demands with the responsibilities of being a mom added another layer of complexity… and if I’m honest, complete exhaustion!

And that’s the lesson I’ve learned most- authenticity is paramount. In a world saturated with fleeting tiktok trends, our genuine passion and transparent story about natural, non-toxic solutions truly resonate. People connect with our ‘why’ – our mission to help other families. And it’s my proudest aspect of owning this business- it wasn’t a trend, it wasn’t an income or lifestyle- it was mamas. I also discovered that honesty is currency with business partners and customers. The support, feedback, and willingness of our customers, especially other moms, to share their own experiences have been invaluable. They’ve been our biggest cheerleaders. Ultimately, I learned to embrace the ‘why’; constantly reminding myself that we started this to help other moms find trustworthy skincare keeps me grounded and focused.

What I want the world to know about AK Tallow and our story is that we are more than just a skincare brand. We are a movement towards holistic wellness and easy solutions that actually work. Our brand embodies empowerment for families to make healthier choices, revives trustworthy remedies, champions sustainable practices, and delivers every product with the deep care and intention that only a mother can provide.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend and her kiddos were visiting, I’d give them the ultimate taste of Colorado, blending small-town charm with epic mountain adventures. As someone who’s happily recovering from growing up in a large city, there’s nothing I love more than showcasing the authentic magic of our little town, Erie. I’d kick off day one in Erie, starting with a perfect latte at Fox-Dog before shopping through Lottie Lane, then heading to Coal Creek Park for the kids to enjoy the splash pad. After working up an appetite, we’d grab tacos at Birdhouse and ice cream at Sweets, with dinner options ranging from Pripri or William Oliver’s in Erie to anything in downtown Lafayette. The next morning would begin with a refreshing stroll through Dicken’s Nature Preserve with friends and dogs, followed by lunch at Johnson’s Corner. Post-nap, we’d ditch the kids with grandma for an adults-only evening of appetizers at Avanti, dinner at River and Woods, and drinks at The Bitter Bar. Day three means road trip time, starting with Ozo Coffee beans before hitting I-70 East to explore mountain towns like Breckenridge and Vail, aiming for the serene Turquoise Lake with no set plans after that—because sometimes, the best adventures are unplanned, and true Colorado magic comes from spontaneous moments, not endless research.

Now, does this question come with a flight for my best friend and her kids?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I couldn’t be more excited to dedicate this one to the “A” in AK Tallow – Allie. She’s not just my chosen ride-or-die, she’s the other pillar running this business, and frankly, I wouldn’t be here without her. Beyond her incredible skill as an alchemist, crafting the beautiful tallow whips that are at the heart of our brand, Allie has been my rock in building this brand. There were moments I felt like giving up, but Allie’s unwavering support and belief in our mission kept me going. She deserves immense credit and recognition for her dedication and for being the steady force that truly makes AK Tallow what it is.

Website: https://www.aktallow.com

Instagram: @aktallow, @iamkatiefuller

Image Credits
Lighthouse Photo Company