[quote style=”boxed”]Sometimes losses are the outcome of taking chances, but that’s just part of it. You must learn from your past mistakes and not be afraid to continue to take risks.[/quote]
Designer Greg Cummins created his bespoke accessory line in 2010, Logan Zane out of sheer necessity. When searching for a bag that was high-quality, and as functional as it was fashion forward, he found that his options were limited. Taking over 7 years of experience in NYC’s Diamond District and what little knowledge he had of design, Cummins decided to make his own bag; an Italian leather backpack in a camouflage pattern, handcrafted with the best hardware and notions he could find. Within days of the final stitch, people started to notice and inquire where they could get their hands on The Remsen. In a quasi namesake tribute to his son, Cummins named the brand Logan Zane. Once long time mentor and friend, Ouigi from Brooklyn Circus saw the line he encouraged Cummins to design a collection for Project, which was less than 2 weeks away at the time. In record time, Logan Zane was stitched together and shown at Project which led to the launch of the handmade line.
Drawing inspiration from the art deco period, Cummins’ line includes duffle bags, iPad envelopes, briefcases, and signature items like The Regent Roll; a watchroll designed for the safe-keeping of your most treasured timepieces. Each piece is made of the finest Italian leather, and is handmade in America with painstaking attention to detail on an old-fashioned Singer sewing machine. Since then Logan Zane collaborated with Brooklyn Circus on a signature iPad envelope, and look forward to more collaborations in the future, including an upcoming project with famed street artist, Avone of Destroy and Rebuild, this Fall.
Greg Cummins is a father of two, and currently resides in Brooklyn, NY.
What are you working on right now?
Currently preparing for next season and collaborating with other like-minded brands to come up with exciting products.
Where did the idea for Logan Zane come from?
Logan Zane came about because I couldn’t find an everyday carry bag that I thought was of superior quality…. so I made one.
What does your typical day look like?
I spend a lot of time at the factory overseeing quality control and making sure my customers receive product on time.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Everything is trial and error…I revised my first backpack design nine times.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
I like the fact that men care about their appearance more than ever.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
The worst job I ever had was my first job at 14 years old. I was a messenger in Manhattan, I learned that my time was worth more than they were willing to pay me.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I would have taken more time to learn the retail side of the business.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Use your product or service. You are your greatest brand ambassador. Many good things have happened as a result of me wearing my belts or carrying my bags on a consistent basis.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Sometimes losses are the outcome of taking chances, but that’s just part of it. You must learn from your past mistakes and not be afraid to continue to take risks.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Social media is free of charge. Take advantage of it.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and how would you go about it?
I would love to see the day when large corporations no longer have influence over our lawmakers. People should really take the time to review the voting records of politicians. You can learn a lot.
Tell us a secret.
I have a crush on comedian Chelsea Handler.
What are your three favorite online tools or resources and what do you love about them?
1. Online banking
2. Google Analytics: It is an awesome way to track traffic.
3. Instagram: It is a great research app for me.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Goals by Brian Tracy. It’s good to self-assess to see if your goals are realistic.
Three people we should follow on Twitter and why?
1. @DalaiLama for spiritual food
2. @BBCBreaking for news
3. @itsrealTED for comic relief
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
I laugh out loud a lot; probably 20 times a day. I know a lot of funny people.
Who is your hero?
My father, for providing me with all the tools needed to survive as an adult.
What would be your dream collaboration?
I would love to design a shoe for Grenson Shoes.
Connect:
Logan Zane’s Website:
Logan Zane on Twitter:
Logan Zane on Facebook:
Logan Zane on Pinterest:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.