Episode #7 - Jenny Nguyen, founder/owner of The Sports Bra

Happy Friday y’all.

It’s been a minute! We’re happy to be back.

We are kicking off the 2025 Uncommon Business line up with an absolute banger.

Today’s interview is with Jenny Nguyen, the founder and owner of The Sports Bra, which is the world’s first sports bar dedicated 100% to women’s sports.

Jenny is…awesome.

She is a hardcore no ego doer. She is simultaneously extremely low key and also incredibly visionary and ambitious. She is kind, fun to talk to, and she has absolutely astute business instincts.

This was one of my favorite conversations we’ve had on the pod.

You can listen to our conversation with Jenny right here in Substack (scroll up), on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or in the podcast player of your choice.

Jenny Nguyen is Just Warming Up

Jenny Nguyen is the founder and owner of The Sports Bra, the world’s first sports bar that is 100% dedicated to women’s sports.

“The Bra,” which is how Jenny refers to her establishment in casual conversation, has absolutely exploded since it first opened in April of 2022 in Portland, Oregon. It is not uncommon to show up on a normal weeknight and have to wait for a seat, particularly if there is a notable game on.

Jenny Nguyen inside of The Sports Bra. Image credit: intentionalist.com

After The Bra became a local sensation, the business attracted an investment from the 776 Foundation, which is run by Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and husband to Serena Williams. Now the Bra is in the process of expanding to other markets through franchising.

During this interview we dive into Jenny’s unique entrepreneurial journey, the founding story of The Sports Bra, Jenny’s ambitions for the future, how she runs her business, her day-to-day life, and much more.

After the interview, Keeley and I debrief.

This was a fantastic interview with a lot of great insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone who wants to challenge the status quo.

Jenny Nguyen (right) and investor Alexis Ohanian (left). Image credit: thesportsbrafranchise.com

Topics Discussed:

• Intro from Peter and Keeley

• The Philosophy of The Sports Bra

• Jenny's career journey

• The Birth of the Sports Bra Concept

• From Idea to Reality

• Community Support and Kickstarter Success

• Challenges and Criticisms

• Partnership with Alexis Ohanian

• The Decision to Franchise

• Understanding Franchise Ownership

• Raising Funds for Expansion

• Selecting the Right Franchisee

• Imposter Syndrome

• The Vision for the Future

• Beyond Sports: Community Impact

• Personal Reflections and Leadership

• Rapid Fire Questions

• Debrief of Jenny's interview with Peter and Keeley

Patrons watching a game at The Sports Bra. Image credit: Leah Nash for The New York Times.

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Thank you!

Peter & Keeley
Partners, Lumo Group