Luxury travel will never be the same as there’s a stylish brand on the horizon that’s capturing the attention of discerning globetrotters and fashion aficionados alike. S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods, the brainchild of visionary entrepreneur Rashad Lyons, is a black-owned luxury travel bag company that’s redefining the way we jet-set in style. With its impeccable craftsmanship, innovative designs, and unwavering commitment to quality, S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods is making waves not just as a fashion statement, but as a symbol of resilience and creativity. We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Rashad Lyons to reflect on the genesis of his remarkable journey, the challenges he’s faced along the way, his exciting future plans, and what sets S.T.A.B.L.E. apart as a fusion of fashion and functionality. Check out our exclusive interview with Rashad Lyons.
SFND MAG: What’s up my brother. We appreciate you taking the time to do this interview. How are things going?
Rashad Lyons: I’m excited man. Thank you for the opportunity! You all have put together an amazing platform. Let’s get to it!!
SFND MAG: Rashad, could you share with our readers the inspiration behind starting S.T.A.B.L.E. and how your personal journey led you into the luxury travel bag industry?
Rashad Lyons: Let me begin by saying everything is possible through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Without him none of this is possible.
The inspiration behind starting S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods came from my own love of travel and the realization that there was a gap in the market for high-quality, stylish, and functional travel bags. My personal journey into the luxury travel bag industry began with countless trips where I found myself constantly frustrated with the lack of durable and aesthetically pleasing options available.
Growing up in Richmond, CA, with a mother from Oakland and a father from Brooklyn, NY, I was exposed to diverse cultures and vibrant styles. My upbringing instilled in me a unique appreciation for design and craftsmanship. I was deeply involved in sports, which instilled in me a sense of discipline and a commitment to excellence. Alongside my athletic pursuits, I developed a keen interest in sneakers, becoming an avid sneaker enthusiast. Combining my love for sports, design, and travel, I envisioned a brand that would reflect these passions. S.T.A.B.L.E. stands for style, timelessness, and attention to detail, all of which are reflected in each of our products. As a Black-owned company, we take pride in our heritage and are committed to promoting diversity and excellence within the luxury market. My journey has been fueled by a commitment to quality and a desire to make travel more enjoyable and stylish for our customers. I wanted to design bags that I would be proud to carry and that would enhance the travel experience for others.
SFND MAG: Entrepreneurship is often a winding road. What motivated you to pursue your passion for travel bags and create a brand like S.T.A.B.L.E.?
Rashad Lyons: Entrepreneurship is indeed a winding road, full of challenges and unexpected turns. My motivation to pursue my passion for travel bags and create a brand like S.T.A.B.L.E. stemmed from a combination of personal experiences and a deep desire to fill a gap I saw in the market.
Growing up I had an appreciation for style and high-quality craftsmanship. My love for travel started early, and I quickly realized that there were limited options for travel bags that were both functional and stylish. This realization was a constant source of frustration during my trips. My background in sports and my enthusiasm for sneakers taught me the importance of both durability and aesthetic appeal. I wanted to bring these elements together in a product that travelers would be proud to carry. I envisioned S.T.A.B.L.E. as a brand that stands for style, timelessness, and meticulous attention to detail. The journey has been challenging, but my commitment to quality, design, and my desire to enhance the travel experience for others has kept me motivated. Seeing our customers appreciate and value the craftsmanship and thought put into each bag is incredibly rewarding and reinforces my passion for what we do at S.T.A.B.L.E.
SFND MAG: Can you walk us through the initial challenges you encountered when launching S.T.A.B.L.E. and how you overcame them?
Rashad Lyons: When we first launched S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods, we faced several initial challenges that tested our resolve and creativity. One of the main challenges was establishing our brand identity in a saturated market. There are countless luggage brands out there, so distinguishing ourselves was crucial. We focused on our core values of durability, style, and inclusivity, emphasizing that our products are designed for modern travelers who need reliable and stylish gear.
Overall, the journey was filled with learning opportunities, and each challenge strengthened our commitment to creating exceptional products. By staying true to our mission and values, we were able to navigate these obstacles and build a brand that resonates with our customers.
SFND MAG: Many entrepreneurs face financial hurdles in the early stages. What strategies did you employ to secure funding and build your brand’s foundation?
Rashad Lyons: Securing funding was a significant challenge. It was crucial for us to find financing. I had a closet full of sneakers, some used and some new. I took them to the local resale store, Sole Supremacy, and sold the majority of my collection. This provided the initial funding to place our first order and build out the website.
SFND MAG: S.T.A.B.L.E. is known for its fusion of fashion and functionality of its products. How do you balance these two aspects in your designs, and why is it important to you?
Rashad Lyons: Balancing fashion and functionality in our designs is a core principle at S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods. We believe that our customers shouldn’t have to compromise style for utility or vice versa.
To achieve this balance, we start with extensive research and feedback from our customers. We look at the latest fashion trends and understand what travelers need in their luggage. This helps us create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly practical. For instance, we incorporate durable materials and smart storage solutions without sacrificing sleek and modern design elements.
It’s important to us because we want our products to reflect the diverse lifestyles of our customers. Our bags need to be versatile enough for a business trip, a weekend getaway, or everyday use. By merging fashion with functionality, we ensure that our customers feel confident and prepared for any journey.
Ultimately, this balance is about enhancing the travel experience. We want our customers to enjoy the convenience of a well-designed bag that also looks great.
This approach has become a defining characteristic of S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods, setting us apart in the market and fostering a loyal customer base.
SFND MAG: Travel is an ever-evolving industry. How does S.T.A.B.L.E. stay ahead of the curve in terms of design innovation and staying relevant in the luxury travel market?
Rashad Lyons: Staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving travel industry requires a commitment to continuous innovation and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs. At S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods, we achieve this through several key strategies. We place a strong emphasis on listening to our customers. Their feedback is invaluable in guiding our design decisions and ensuring that our products meet their evolving needs. We also conduct market research to stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in the travel industry. We invest in high-quality, sustainable materials that enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of our products. For example, we use lightweight, durable materials that are also eco-friendly, aligning with the growing consumer demand for sustainability. Additionally, we collaborate with designers, travel experts, and influencers to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to our product line. Notably, we recently teamed up with the NFL, which allows us to reach a wider audience and integrate unique design elements inspired by the sport. These partnerships help us stay relevant and introduce innovative features that set us apart from competitors. We keep a close eye on fashion and travel trends to anticipate what our customers will want next. This proactive approach allows us to introduce cutting-edge designs and features that keep our brand at the forefront of the luxury travel market. We also maintain rigorous quality control standards to ensure that every product we release meets our high standards of craftsmanship. Additionally, we own the patents to our designs, ensuring that our innovative features are unique to S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods. This commitment to quality ensures that our products not only look good but also stand the test of time.
By focusing on these areas, S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods continues to lead in design innovation and remains a relevant and trusted brand in the luxury travel market. Our goal is to create products that not only meet but exceed the expectations of modern travelers.
SFND MAG: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers. Could you share any eco-friendly initiatives or practices S.T.A.B.L.E. is implementing?
Rashad Lyons: At S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods, we are committed to sustainability by exclusively using cruelty-free materials and vegan leather in our products. This approach ensures that our designs meet the highest ethical standards without compromising on quality or style. By opting for these eco-friendly materials, we reduce our environmental impact and support animal welfare initiatives. This commitment resonates with consumers who prioritize sustainability, offering them stylish travel solutions that align with their values.
SFND MAG: In a crowded market, how do you distinguish S.T.A.B.L.E. from other luxury travel bag brands, and what unique features make your products stand out?
In a crowded market of luxury travel bag brands, S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods distinguishes itself by starting with a design-first approach that draws inspiration from elements I cherished growing up: sneakers, graffiti, sports, and streetwear. This foundation infuses our products with a unique blend of urban aesthetics and functionality, appealing to travelers who appreciate both style and substance.
Our designs prioritize innovative materials like cruelty-free alternatives and vegan leather, ensuring sustainability without compromising on quality. Functionality is the icing on the cake; each product is meticulously crafted to add peace of mind and protection to valued travel items. Whether it’s smart compartmentalization, durable construction, or ergonomic features, our bags are designed to perform exceptionally well in any travel scenario.
By focusing on these elements, S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods stands out in the luxury travel market as a brand that combines nostalgic inspiration with modern innovation, offering travelers a distinctive and sustainable choice in travel gear.
SFND MAG: Recently you announced that S.T.A.B.L.E. has entered into a licensing deal with the NFL. Talk to us a little bit about how this opportunity came about and give us a glimpse into any upcoming collections that S.T.A.B.L.E. enthusiasts can look forward to with this deal?
Rashad Lyons: The NFL licensing deal is amazing. It’s been a dream of mine to be a part of professional sports since I was a kid. Working with one of the most recognized sports brands in the world is a blessing. This upcoming NFL season, we’re gearing up to make a significant impact in the market. Our collaboration will bring together the dynamic energy of football with the stylish functionality that defines S.T.A.B.L.E. Goods. Fans can look forward to collections that celebrate the spirit of the NFL while offering innovative designs that meet the needs of modern travelers and sports enthusiasts alike. We’re excited to unveil these new collections and share them with our loyal S.T.A.B.L.E. enthusiasts.
SFND MAG: Building a brand requires strong leadership. What leadership principles have guided you on your journey with S.T.A.B.L.E.?
Rashad Lyons: It’s extremely cliché of me to say, but I had to learn how to follow before I was able to lead. Playing sports in my youth was instrumental in shaping my leadership principles. Additionally, having a mentor like Deon Taylor, film director and CEO of Hidden Empire Film Group, was integral. About 20 years ago, he threw me into the fire, providing hands-on experience and showing me alternative ways to lead. These experiences taught me the importance of humility, teamwork, and learning from those who have walked the path before me.
SFND MAG: Last year, you attended InvestFest as a vendor. What was that experience like, being in an environment with so many so many motivated like- minded entrepreneurs under the same roof? b) What did you take away from that experience?
Rashad Lyons: Trade Shows have been a major part of our journey for over 7 years. Events like ComplexCon, SneakerCon, and Agenda Trade Show during Fashion Week in Las Vegas have been crucial in gathering feedback from individuals across the country, which fuels our creativity. InvestFest provided a similar environment. Being surrounded by so many motivated, like-minded entrepreneurs was incredibly inspiring. Learning from other established businesses at an event curated for growth and networking was invaluable. It reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning in building a successful brand. The experience at InvestFest underscored the power of networking and the potential for growth that comes from engaging with a diverse community of entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
SFND MAG: Lastly, Rashad, where do you see S.T.A.B.L.E. in the next five years, and what legacy do you hope to leave in the world of luxury travel bags?
Rashad Lyons: I see S.T.A.B.L.E. holding its own in a strong way in the luggage space, fundamentally changing how people travel. We aim to be top-of-mind alongside other leading brands, continuously innovating and setting new standards. Beyond market success, I envision creating generational wealth for my family and team. This journey is not just about building a successful business but leaving a lasting legacy in the world of luxury travel bags, making a meaningful impact on how people experience and perceive travel.
SFND MAG: Thanks again Rashad. It is always a pleasure talking with you man. Wishing you continued success…
Rashad Lyons: All love y’all!!! Thank you once again.
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