We recently had the chance to connect with Thomas Fortenberry and have shared our conversation below.
Thomas, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing impact. Not just sales or recognition—but the kind of impact that shifts how men see themselves and how they care for themselves. I want Face and Junk to be more than a grooming brand—I want it to be a statement. A movement. Something that challenges the norms and gives men permission to show up real, raw, and confident.
If I stopped chasing that, I’d feel like I was betraying something bigger than myself. I’d be settling. And that’s not in my DNA. This isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of who I am and what I believe in. If I stopped, the dream wouldn’t die—but the fire would dim. And I’m not ready to let that happen.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi I am Thomas Fortenberry—corporate escape artist turned grooming rebel. I am the founder of Face and Junk, a men’s grooming brand that’s shaking up the industry with unapologetic authenticity, eco-conscious swagger, and products that actually do what they say. I started Face and Junk because I saw a gap in the market: too many grooming products were either overly flashy or felt disconnected from what real men actually want. So I set out to create something different—products that speak to confidence, simplicity, and purpose.
What makes Face and Junk unique isn’t just the bold name—it’s the philosophy behind it. We’re redefining men’s grooming by stripping away the fluff and focusing on what matters: high-quality ingredients, clean design, and a message that resonates. Our products are crafted to help men feel good in their own skin, while also being mindful of the planet. Sustainability is a core part of our mission, from eco-conscious packaging to responsibly sourced ingredients.
Right now, I’m working on expanding the brand into new markets and building partnerships with retailers who share our values. It’s an exciting time, and I’m passionate about growing a brand that doesn’t just sell products—but sparks a conversation about what it means to take care of yourself as a man today.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
Growing up, I learned the value of hard work from my father. He wasn’t flashy, didn’t talk much about success—but he showed up every day with grit, consistency, and pride in whatever he did. Whether it was fixing something around the house or helping a neighbor, he taught me that work isn’t just about the paycheck—it’s about integrity, showing up fully, and doing things the right way even when no one’s watching.
That mindset stuck with me. It’s the foundation of how I approach Face and Junk. I wanted to build a brand that reflects those same values—no shortcuts, no gimmicks. Just honest products that do what they say, made for men who appreciate quality and authenticity. My father’s work ethic shaped how I see responsibility, and it’s why sustainability and purpose are baked into everything we create. It’s not just about grooming—it’s about showing up for yourself and the world around you.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely—there were plenty of times I felt like giving up. When you’re building a brand in a space dominated by massive men’s grooming companies with deep pockets and global reach, it’s easy to feel like the underdog. I’ve had moments where I questioned everything—wondering if it was worth the grind, especially when the returns weren’t immediate and the obstacles kept piling up.
But what keeps me going is passion. Face and Junk isn’t just a business to me—it’s something I’d do every single day, even if I never made a dime from it. And truthfully, right now, I don’t. But I believe in the mission. I believe in creating something that speaks to real men, that challenges the status quo, and that brings authenticity back into the grooming space. That belief is what fuels me through the tough days. It’s not about chasing trends or competing with giants—it’s about staying true to what I love and building something that matters.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One belief I hold onto—no matter how long it takes—is that Face and Junk will become a globally recognized brand. Not just for its name, but for what it stands for: authenticity, empowerment, and simplicity in men’s grooming. I’m committed to that vision with everything I’ve got. It’s not just about scaling a business; it’s about creating a movement that challenges outdated norms and encourages men to embrace self-care in a way that feels real and unapologetic.
I know it won’t happen overnight. Building something meaningful takes time, grit, and a whole lot of patience. But I’m in it for the long haul. Every product, every partnership, every conversation is a step toward that goal. And whether it takes five years or fifteen, I won’t stop until Face and Junk is a name that resonates with men around the world—not just as a grooming brand, but as a symbol of confidence, purpose, and staying true to yourself.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had just ten years left, the first thing I’d stop doing is working in corporate America. I’ve spent enough time in that world to know it doesn’t feed my soul. What I’d do instead is travel—fully, intentionally, and without a rigid itinerary. Because the truth is, most people never get to truly experience the world. They get glimpses, short vacations, curated tours—but not the kind of immersive, eye-opening journey that changes how you see everything.
Traveling opens your mind to new perspectives, cultures, and ways of living. It reminds you how vast and beautiful the world is, and how much there is still to learn. That kind of experience shapes not just your worldview, but your legacy. If I had ten years, I’d spend them building Face and Junk into something lasting—while also collecting stories, wisdom, and inspiration from every corner of the globe. That’s the kind of life I want to live and the kind of impact I want to leave behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://faceandjunk.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faceandjunk/
- Twitter: https://x.com/FaceandJunk
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faceandjunk
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/faceandjunk.bsky.social
Image Credits
Thomas Fortenberry
