Jen Rubio—Co-Founder of the Billion-Dollar Start-Up, Away—Covers Inc. Magazine
Going the distance.
The new disruptors.
Jen Rubio, co-founder and creative director of Away says that “When you're starting a business for the first time, you're doing everything for the first time.” It’s a perfunctory explanation as to why startup founders struggle. The ins, the outs, the ups and downs; it’s turbulent. But Rubio along with her co-founder Steph Korey have weathered the storm and come out on top.
The company (which made the Forbe’s 2018 Next Billion-Dollar Startups list) was recently valued at $1.4 billion after raising $100 million. Last year, the company was on track to do $150 million in revenue and was valued at roughly $700 million. So it only makes complete sense that Rubio would be on the cover of Inc. Magazine today.
She shared the exciting news on her Instagram, graciously congratulating the team at Away for the achievement.
“This cover is for @stephkorey, team @away, all of our customers who rolled with us through the airline battery ban and continue to spread the love, everyone who said we couldn’t do it, everyone who said we could obviously do it, my mom, my dad who would’ve driven all over NJ to buy all the copies, and for every single entrepreneur out there—regardless of your background or pedigree or MBA or no MBA—who is busy doing the work and making things happen. Grateful to the wonderful team at @inc and @youfoundchristine. Cover photo by @tawnibannister”
But when Jen and her co-founder, Korey, both former execs at Warby Parker, left to launch Away, they knew that luxury travel accessories needed retooling and they were ready for a bumpy ride. Dedicated to a piece of luggage for the way "people really move" that didn't come with a first class price tag, the first product was a beautiful, high-end minimalist carry-on without the zeros. Away made traveling in style a whole lot easier. Vogue called it, “the perfect carry-on.” Forbes 30 Under 30 took notice. They had accolades in the bag, but they didn't stop there.
Away now offers varied sizes and chic travel accessories. Steph says the goal is to “be a part of the company that’s the first thing anyone thinks of when they have travel needs.” They're changing how we travel, one charged up suitcase at a time.
Read a little about their journey below.
What is the most important step you took this far?
Steph: I made it a point at every step in my career to always look for opportunities to go above and beyond. That mentality really prepares you for all the unexpected challenges that come your way when starting a business.
Jen: Having conviction in an idea and committing to seeing it through all the way.
What keeps you going?
Steph: Coffee? Just kidding, the biggest thing that keeps me going is the excitement for the game changing travel company we're building and the mind-blowing members of the Away team who constantly inspire me.
Jen: Relationships. I'm energized by people and conversations and am at my most creative when I find myself really connecting with those around me.
What is the best piece of "real talk" advice you've received?
Jen: "You will never be great on your own if you don't learn how to work with other people." That snapped me out of my early 20s "I can do it all" hubris and got me thinking about how to be a team player and people manager.
Steph: "Hire slow, fire fast. Better have a hole than an a-hole." - Neil Blumenthal, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Warby Parker
What are some challenges you’ve encountered along the way?
Steph: The list goes on and on. If you push yourself in your career, you're constantly being challenged because you're always taking on things that push your boundaries. I wouldn't have it any other way.
What is your favorite life advice?
Jen: "Ships are safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are built for." Take the risk!
What is a habit or routine you swear by?
Steph: My clothes all look pretty similar to each other: black, white, grey, denim. Taking out the day-to-day thinking about clothes frees up brain space for other things.
Jen: Every night before bed, I think of five things from the day that I'm grateful for. Gratitude is a practice.
International Women’s Day is coming up. It's a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. If you could steer the conversation around International Women’s Day, what would that dialogue be about?
Jen: I'd want to highlight the disparity between the opportunities of women in different places around the world and bring attention the the incredible, resilient women I've met in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Haiti, etc. and their stories.
Steph: That the goal should be to one day stop celebrating it because men and women are so equal across the whole world that there would be no need.
What does female empowerment mean to you?
Steph: Historically, women haven't always had the same legal rights as men. It's really in the last generation that it became socially acceptable for women to have the same career potential. To me, female empowerment means reminding women that if any person can do something, so can they.
Jen: Being open, honest, and vulnerable with the women I call my friends, and as a result, encouraging each other to do better and enjoy the process.
What do you do to support other women, either professionally or personally?
Steph: I treat them the same as men, both personally and professionally. The whole point here is that people are people, so when it comes to hiring, promotions, or supporting your friends, everyone should get the same great support.
Jen: I try to be active in mentorship, panels, and discussions that help women, and while doing so, try to be as transparent as possible about my own experiences.
This article is part of our Create & Cultivate 100 List created in collaboration with KEDS, you can view the full Entrepreneur List Here. This post was originally published on January 23, 2017, and has since been updated.
C&C Classifieds Nº26: The Narrative Group, HelloGiggles, CMG & more!
New week. New opportunities.
Opportunities come and go, but with a new week here and a new round of C&C Classifieds to brighten up your Wednesdays, we have opportunities for you, galore!
This week, we have brand new classifieds for you from our friends The Narrative Group, Hello Giggles, Clique Media Group, Away, and more from CAA and Universal Music Group. Get a sneak peek at this week's classifieds below, and sign up below to get access to the full list of classifieds!
If you have signed up for access to the C&C Classifieds before, click here.
MORE FROM THE BLOG
10 Must-Have Products for 10 Million Women On-the-Go
We know how stressful being a boss on-the-go can be. Don't break a sweat.
@thecultofshe
October is Women’s Small Business month. A time where we support and acknowledge the nearly 1200 women who are starting new businesses every day. A time where we celebrate the momentum of the 10 million women who are innovating in their careers.
According to the Survey of Business Owners women-owned employer firms employ 8.9 million people. They generate 1.4 billion dollars. The societal and economic impact is clear.
Dove has always encouraged women to be confident. Not only to define beauty on their own terms, but to be as bold with their ideas. Beauty confidence filters into boss confidence. And it inspires other women to likewise be their best selves. If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.
To celebrate the 10 Million Strong, here are 10 must-have products to make the life of the on-the-go-get-em business woman all the better.
Designed for the mobile lifestyle, this lightweight bracelet also doubles as a charger. Get rid of on-the-go anxiety about a dead battery, charge up and then charge into that meeting. That seat at the table is yours. Or charge during the meeting. Because, multi-tasking.
For the 32-hour business trip, you want a carry-on that can handle anything that comes its way. With a built-in USB port, sturdy shell, and a design to fit almost all airlines carry-on restrictions, you can get in and out of any airport with time to spare.
Suave Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo
On-the-go doesn’t leave a lot of down time. If you need a touch-up or a little refresher, you can get to the root of the problem with a spritz of dry shampoo. Revive your hair, extend your blowout, and look fresh. (It’ll be our little secret.)
Amazon Echo
As founder it may feel like you’re on a small business quest alone, but you’re not. That voice you hear in the background is the sound of Alexa, the brain behind the Amazon Echo. The hands-free speaker you control with your voice. It plays music, controls lights, reads audiobooks, the news, and answers any pressing question you might have. Like, Alexa, what’s my commute? Or Alexa, set a timer for 30 minutes. And you can crank out those morning emails and get out of the house on time.
Dry Spray Antiperspirant
You don’t have time to wait around, and with Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant you don’t have to. It goes on instantly dry so you can just shake, spray and go. Plus, it lasts up to 48 hours -- because it’s important to stay dry during high-stakes moments -- and also cares for your skin. The last thing you want to worry about in a pitch meeting are your underarms.
Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant was a sponsor at Create + Cultivate Atlanta.
The 2017 Planner
Your life might depend on your phone, but what if you lose or break your phone? Every well-prepared boss woman always has a backup, and the best way to make sure that you’re not breaking a sweat when tech fails is to have a planner with you.
Wifi Hotspot
There will be times when you need to answer an important email that requires more than what your phone can do. Even in 2016, wifi is not easily accessible in every corner of the world, so make sure you’re ready with a handy wifi hotspot to save you on any occasion. Because the wifi always, always manages to pull a vanishing act when that 11th-hour email needs to go out.
Airborne or Vitamin C
If work puts you up in the air, you’re susceptible to poor plane air quality and are more prone to getting sick. Stock up on the vitamin C and drinks lots of fluids. The first step to making sure you’re your best self while traveling is taking care of your physical health first.
Business Cards
When you’re traveling, you’re ready to network. But don’t ever miss out on an opportunity to introduce yourself to any potential clients-- whether on the conference room floor or in line at the TSA security check. For every situation, make sure you have your business cards easily accessible. Moo makes all kinds of cards for the modern, creative professional.
Parachute Percale Venice Set
When you finally crawl into bed after a long day’s work or make it home after a trip, you should experience joy. The joy of expertly woven sheets crafted from Egyptian cotton. The joy of affordable luxury. The joy of knowing you gave your day your all.