Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Kenn.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started a denim company up in Canada with a friend when I was 20 and shortly after moved to LA. I have been fascinated with the design and manufacturing process ever since that move. As a result of that curiosity, I have started a bag company called Temple as well as my current furniture and accessories brand “Stephen Kenn” alongside my wife and partner Beks Opperman.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s all hard work but it’s equally fun and exciting. Struggles have been when projects end and learning how to separate who I am from what I do and remember that the things I’ve learned and the people who I’ve met along the way only serve to help make my next venture have a better shot at success.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a home and travel brand. We primarily focus on upholstered seating and leather bags. Our most recognized design would be The Inheritance Collection sofa which is a steel welded frame with replica military belts that support the cushions. I’m very proud of the community we have built around the brand. We open our doors twice a month for a coffee morning and cocktail evenings and our showroom has become a great hub for new relationships.
I think one of the things that sets us apart from other brands is our approachability. We encourage people to reach out, meet up and we do our best to help connect them with our downtown LA community.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
That’s a great question, I would make a better plan, I would talk to more people who are doing what I want to do, I would not be so quick to rush to market but rather allow ideas to become refined before producing them. These are all things that are easy to say now but in the moment there is so much excitement and the lessons could have only been learned through my ambitious and nieve efforts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stephenkenn.com
- Phone: (323) 920-4210
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @stephenkenn
Image Credit:
Ben Cope, Dan Johnson, Amy Bartlam, Justin Chung
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