Today we’d like to introduce you to Ari Jogiel.
Ari, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/770269732/the-leap-by-leopardet-fashioning-the-american-drea?ref=user_menu
I was born in to a loving Jewish mother and a famous Mexican actor (also Jewish) in Mexico City in 1988 and moved to Sterling, Illinois in 2000 when I was 12 years old. My parents showed my brother and I the importance of working hard. We were instilled the lesson that in America if you work hard there is nothing you can’t do.
I took these values to heart and moved to Southern California to study business at Chapman University. During my time at Chapman I studied hard to achieve scholastic excellence in Business and played for the soccer team.
After graduating college, I decided to move to Los Angeles, California and start a clothing business focused on the golfing community. My company is called LEOPARDËT and my goal is to showcase the beauty and quality of American made clothing. All my clothing is made here in America out of my design studio in Downtown, Los Angeles. My design and production business has become so successful that in December of 2016, we have begun designing and manufacturing for other domestic brands. We help brands, specifically up and coming brands by bringing life to their projects and showing them the ropes of the fashion industry.
I am proud of my team (we are at 5 right now) and I relish the opportunity to provide employment to more people as our operation expands.
I am so fortunate to have this opportunity to pursue my dream of making and showcasing American made fashion. I am extremely passionate about the vast opportunities that I have been afforded as a first-generation American citizen.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a challenge. I entered the industry in 2015 and had a lot of struggles at first. Didn’t have any previous experience in fashion which led me to making many mistakes that cost me a lot of money. Also after growing up in a Jewish community that is very traditional, men that went into fashion were looked down upon on. I started my brand by making hats in China and didn’t tell anyone at first because I knew what they would told me.
When I told my dad, he said “You’re never going to make money by selling hats, Ari”.
Please tell us about ARI JOGIEL and LEOPARDËT.
At LEOPARDËT we focus in making premium clothing for the golf market. Our clothing is hip and we try to bring an element of fun to the game.
At ARI JOGIEL we work with up and coming companies and have a business model that is friendly to these brands as opposed to most manufacturers that have high minimums.
I am proud that everything is made in freaking Los Angeles and that little by little we are helping bring American Made fashion back.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Choosing my outfit to go to school and playing soccer. Along with fashion, soccer is my absolute love but had to stop playing because of injuries.
Pricing:
- Premium American Made V-Neck by LEOPARDËT at $50
- Culottes by LEOPARDËT at $74
- French Terry Sweatshirt by LEOPARDËT at $98
Contact Info:
- Address: 111 W 7TH ST
Los Angeles, CA 90014 - Website: jogiel.com and leopardet.com
- Phone: 858-525-5648
- Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
- Instagram: @AriJogiel @leopardetworld
Image Credit:
Alex Tovar
