KC Turned $2K Savings into a $100M Silicone Ring Empire

From garage beginnings to $100M: How KC turned a simple ring idea into QALO’s global success.

April 28, 2025

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Welcome to Money Making Story,

Today, we’re thrilled to share the story of KC Holiday, who went from working in a restaurant to building a global silicone ring empire.

In this discussion, we’ll discuss his:

  • Top Advice from KC

  • A Problem Sparks an Idea

  • Betting It All

  • Launching the Website

  • Job Interview Cheat Sheet

  • Finding Customers the Hard Way

  • Scaling the Business

  • The Big Milestone

  • The Legacy of QALO

  • Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

  • A Story Worth Reading

Top Advice from KC:

“Find people’s problems, create a solution, and talk to your customers. Don’t worry about what others think—just focus on helping.”

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Starting a business often feels like jumping into the unknown, especially when you have no prior experience or capital. KC Holiday, co-founder of QALO, went from bartending at a Beverly Hills restaurant to selling over $100 million worth of silicone wedding rings, is a testament to how grit, resilience, and solving a real problem can transform a simple idea into a multimillion-dollar success story.

A Problem Sparks an Idea

KC’s entrepreneurial journey began in a Beverly Hills restaurant, where he and his future business partner, Ted, worked as a waiters and managers, respectively. Both had recently gotten married, and a casual conversation about wedding rings revealed a shared frustration: traditional metal bands weren’t practical for active lifestyles.

“I’d lose my ring while working out or playing golf. It didn’t make sense—you don’t wear a Rolex to the gym or dress shoes for a triathlon.”

“You don’t wear a Rolex to the gym,” KC explained. Similarly, they felt there should be wedding rings designed for physical activity. A quick search revealed a glaring gap in the market—silicone wedding rings didn’t exist. That lightbulb moment planted the seed for QALO (Quality, Athletics, Love, Outdoors).

Betting It All

Despite having no experience in business, KC and Ted decided to bring their vision to life. The partnership was simple: KC had the time and energy, while Ted contributed his savings. Together, they pooled their resources and ordered their first batch of silicone rings from a local manufacturer.

“We emptied our savings accounts to buy our first batch of inventory. My wife and I even moved in with my mom to cut costs.”

However, the journey began with a major setback. When the first shipment of rings arrived, the quality was so poor that they were unsellable. With no money left for a new batch, KC resorted to trimming 50,000 rings by hand with eyebrow scissors. It was a grueling process, but the two were determined not to let their dream die.

Launching the Website

After months of preparation, KC and Ted launched their website, convinced the sales would pour in.

“We stressed about buying a $99 theme for the site. When we hit publish, we were so excited. But the next day, nothing happened—no visitors, no sales.”

Essential Skills in Life

Finding Customers the Hard Way

Once the rings were ready, KC and Ted faced their next challenge: getting people to buy them. With no marketing budget, KC got creative. He reached out to Andy Dalton, then the quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, through a college connection. Dalton agreed to try the rings, and a few months later, QALO caught its first big break.

“Andy agreed to wear the ring, and a few months later, he was featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks. Ten minutes of airtime showed him praising the ring. The next day, sales quadrupled.”

During an episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks, Dalton was featured wearing the ring, praising it for its practicality and significance. Overnight, QALO’s sales skyrocketed, giving KC and Ted the validation they desperately needed.

Scaling the Business

The sudden success was exhilarating but also overwhelming. KC quickly realized they had to act fast to maintain their first-mover advantage. The duo moved operations out of Ted’s garage and started building a team, learning the ropes of scaling a business along the way.

“I quit my job at the restaurant. It was a make it or break it moment for me and Ted.”

From building culture to managing logistics, every step was a challenge. Yet, QALO grew rapidly, reaching $30 million in revenue with a team of nearly 100 employees. Despite the fast-paced growth, KC remained focused on understanding their customers and improving the product.

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The Big Milestone

KALO eventually grew to:

  • $30 million in revenue.

  • 100 employees.

  • A 20% profit margin.

“We didn’t set out to be a big company. We focused on being a better company, understanding our customers, and solving their problems.”

The Legacy of QALO

What started as a side hustle in a garage evolved into a brand that revolutionized the wedding ring market, generating over $100 million in sales. Beyond financial success, KC’s story is a reminder that anyone, regardless of background, can build something extraordinary by staying focused on solving real problems.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, KC’s journey is both inspiring and practical: start small, stay resourceful, and never underestimate the power of perseverance.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

KC’s journey offers invaluable insights for anyone dreaming of starting their own business:

  1. Solve a Real Problem
    QALO’s success stemmed from addressing a specific pain point—creating a wedding ring that fit active lifestyles.

  2. Start Before You’re Ready
    Instead of waiting for the perfect product, KC and Ted launched with what they had and iterated based on customer feedback.

  3. Be Resourceful
    From trimming rings by hand to leveraging personal connections for marketing, KC demonstrated how to make the most of limited resources.

  4. Embrace Failure
    Early missteps didn’t deter KC and Ted. Instead, they viewed challenges as opportunities to learn and adapt.

  5. Focus on People
    Whether it was building a strong team or deeply understanding their customers, QALO’s growth was rooted in human connection.

From trimmed rings in a garage to a $100 million brand, KC’s story highlights the power of problem-solving, hard work, and taking risks.

“The biggest risk isn’t starting a business. It’s never trying at all.”

A Story Worth Reading

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Stay tuned for more stories that showcase the diverse ways people are achieving financial success. Until next time, keep exploring and keep learning.