Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leo Tropeano, founder and CEO of Mugsy, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Mugsy makes damn good-looking and insanely comfortable clothes for guys who want effortless style.
Tell us about yourself
Mugsy started out of a problem I was experiencing. I wanted better-looking jeans, but anything stylish was extremely uncomfortable. I had no experience in apparel (I was a CPA then), but I knew this was a common frustration for guys. So I set out to make men's clothes that never settle. Started with jeans, and they are still our bread and butter, but it's cool to see how many products we offer now.
I love solving problems. I love creating and making people's lives better. A lot of headaches come with being a founder, but that stuff keeps me pushing forward.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'd say just the fact that Mugsy is still here (and growing!). Starting a business is an insane journey. The deck is so stacked against you, the odds so unfavorable. Throw a global pandemic into the mix, and man, I'm just grateful Mugsy IS.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It can be extremely lonely. Entrepreneurship is viewed as being so sexy, but in my experience, it's often just a guy on a laptop at 3 AM banging his head against the wall, haha.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Remind yourself every day that you are a perpetual student. Never. Stop. Learning.
- Build an awesome team and take your time doing it. As I said, owning a company can be lonely, but life is a team sport, and business is no different.
- Don't quit. Test, iterate, test again, iterate again. Keep repeating that cycle forever, and you will have awesome company. Just don't ever stop.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mugsyjeans.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mugsyjeans
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mugsyjeans/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mugsy/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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