A client who shares his vision and supports the arts via fashion.
Braedy Luxenburg is a multifaceted designer and he is making his mark on the fashion industry. From working with widely known artists to popular luxury brands to pursuing his own designs, Braedy has been involved with the industry at all levels. Since earning his microgrant from LaunchNET and graduating from Kent, he has taken on some impressive projects. We had the chance to learn more about what Braedy’s been working on, how he puts himself out there, and his affinity for Capybaras.
5 Things You Need to Know About Braedy:
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Created custom jackets for hip hop group, Coast Contra, with the help of LaunchNET’s microgrants (read more below)
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Has an online portfolio where you can see his merchandise, graphic designs, and photography: Braedy Luxenburg
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Graduated from Kent State in May 2022 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising
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Interned this summer at Michael Kors as a men’s merchandising professional
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An open, driven individual with a keen aesthetic and a unique perspective that he is sharing with the world, one design at a time
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Curious, motivated, and friendly.
Can you share some background on how your entrepreneurial journey started and where you are now?
I’ve always been interested in fashion and after trying and pursuing various fashion related ventures, I’ve fallen into the niche of luxury products. Specifically, I’m targeting the music industry right now. I met with LaunchNET during my freshman year and unfortunately due to the pandemic I couldn’t really follow up with that, but then during my last semester I learned about the microgrants you guys were offering. I applied for one of those and it was able to fund my most recent project.
What was your most recent project and how did the microgrant help support it?
I was introduced to this group called Coast Contra during an opening performance. They were mesmerizing with the energy and entertainment they brought to their music…you could tell that they really cared about what they were doing and wanted to put on the best show for the crowd. After seeing that passion, I was really inspired. I noticed they all wore matching shirts and I thought matching jackets would be a nice addition, so I reached out to their manager to pitch my idea. A few months later, I got to meet up with them in New York and deliver the jackets.
Do you have any photos from the meet up?
What are your future goals with this venture?
I’m looking to work with more artists in the future. I made some good connections when I was meeting with Coast Contra and I hope to follow up on those and continue growing my network and my portfolio.
Is there anything you would do differently? If so, what?
I don’t think I would. I learned a lot from everything I’ve done and it all lead me to this point.
What’s the most valuable thing you learned along your journey?
Over the past year especially, I’ve learned everything is about your connections. Regardless of how good you or your product are, you need to know the right people to take things to the next level.
What advice would you give to students pursuing an idea?
Two things. First, be passionate about what you’re doing. Second, continuously go for it and put yourself out there. It may take some time but you will land something and once you get that, more opportunities will follow.
How would you describe the entrepreneurial mindset?
I think it comes down to having a passion project that you always want to be working on.
What's something that makes you happy?
Cats with deep meows.
What's the last photo you took?
It’s of the Phantom of the Opera theater. I passed it while walking in New York and had to send a photo to my sister to make her jealous.
Editor's note: Brotherly love, am I right?
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?
A capybara. *Alexa, play ‘After Party’ by Don Oliver*
Thank you for taking the time to meet with us, Braedy! Your project with Coast Contra was so exciting to hear about and we’re glad that LaunchNET could help make that happen. We’re looking forward to seeing what you create in the future and don’t be surprised if we reach out for some custom LaunchNET merch.