Carlos Fogelman is a passion-driven entrepreneur with a keen sense of design and style. With a background in branding and management, and highly focused in fashion, design, sales and sourcing the highest quality of materials available around the world, he launched Hip and Bone apparel in 2010…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
Starting a company involves getting involved in pretty much everything. In the beginning, there was a lot of learning experiences, today it’s a lot of trial and error combined with planning. Creating a collection begins with an inspiration and quickly moves towards, pattern making, sourcing materials and creating samples with the right fit. Once our team is confident with our creations ,we cast models, execute photo shoots, print catalogues and go to market. Selling is challenging and we are often travelling, which allows us to meet great people from around the world. The whole team, as well as myself, are always keeping up with clients and social media in order to keep our message strong and constantly inform the audience on what our latest endeavours are. Such is a must these days.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
After graduating from university, Jobs seemed scarce and those that where available had limits in either growth potential or overall autonomy and creative ownership. I wanted to not only start a business in something I was passionate about, but I also wanted to portray a deeply rooted message behind our clothing. Such became the essence of our rapid growth and one of the main reason I enjoy what I do.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Best part is creating! Every season we dabble into new materials and new styles, there is so much to it! We really focus on the details that make you feel like you are wearing something superior. Most challenging part of this business is the tight deadlines and travelling requirements. Being based in Montreal is a blessing, yet it leaves us quite distant from our larger clients and most fashion events and trade shows.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see us having offices and retail locations in key cities around the world. As the brand grows, we are embarking on the establishment of our first retail locations, which will allow us to constantly bring our clients fresh new gear without the delay of the traditional retail cycle.
We are also working on a project we have been developing that will allow customers to fully customize their clothes with exotic materials that have commonly been known to be hard to access and usually pricey (not with us).
Our goal truly is for you to wear the highest quality of materials and clothing that represents who you are. The quality for a king with the durability for a soldier.
What does success look like to you?
Success is a combination of happiness, passion and hard work. I truly believe that what we believe and say has the power of manifesting itself. When we believe in what we do and work hard at it passionately, we are very likely to be in the path of success. Like any start up, we have days that feel like true success and others that remind us of how badly we want it.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Every season we learn something new, every collection brings a new client, every meeting presents a new friend or associate. The freedom to do what I like and do it well is by far the most important milestone in creating Hip and Bone.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Stay strong, be impeccable with your words, don’t make assumptions and live your life with urgency and excellence.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We have yet to establish a relationship with a particular charity, however we make sure that all our operations support sustainable and fair trade labour, from our sourcing to our manufacturing. We also donate pieces for auctions that raise funds for the support of positive causes.
What to you is notable?
A way to communicate with other passionate peeps!
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone – when my battery lasts.