The Lesson I Had To Unlearn In Business

We talked with the prestigious Online Magazine Canvas Rebel and here is what we discussed

November 14, 2024

We recently connected with Luz Zambrano and have shared our conversation below.

Luz , appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your creative career?

One of the most important lessons I learned as an entrepreneur came from my experience creating and running Made In Mayhem, my first brand. After working in the footwear industry for over a decade, I was eager to build something of my own. I dove into designing premium leather goods, carefully crafting each piece and focusing on quality. But something essential was missing—a distinct reason for being. The question I kept asking myself was, “Why would someone choose my brand over another?”

While Made In Mayhem produced beautiful products, I realized there was no compelling story behind them, nothing that would leave a lasting impression on my customers. I knew I needed a brand with a mission that resonated. This realization led me to create Casupo, a brand founded with a purpose that was both personal and impactful.

The turning point came when I noticed the significant waste in leather production. At the factories where I worked, I saw large quantities of leather left unused—materials that, despite being high-quality, were set aside to be discarded. This sparked an idea: I could use these excess leathers to create something sustainable and meaningful. So Casupo was born, a brand built on the mission of reducing waste by repurposing these materials and, in the process, helping to protect the environment.

But Casupo wasn’t just about sustainability. As someone born in Venezuela, I also wanted to give back to my roots. I established a program that donates a portion of profits to support a nonprofit foundation in Venezuela. With this dual mission, Casupo has become a brand that not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also supports a community close to my heart.

This journey taught me the importance of having a powerful purpose behind a brand. A brand with a mission is memorable and valuable—it resonates with customers and builds a sense of connection that goes beyond the product itself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I studied Industrial Design at RIT and then worked are New Balance, Fila, Burton Snowboards and Olukai as a footwear developer, I was privileged to learn from the best and travel to China and Mexico and work closely with many factories and suppliers. After 10 years I decided I wanted to make my own products and I wanted to make it in Los Angeles so that I could oversees and work closely with the factory.

I launched my brand, Casupo, as a way to create meaningful, high-quality products with a positive environmental impact. At Casupo, we focus on making leather goods like fanny packs, wallets, and accessories, crafted primarily from excess leather sourced from other productions. This approach not only reduces waste but also brings sustainable, premium-quality products to customers who value both style and responsibility.

In addition to our products, Casupo Manufacturing provides design, development, and production services tailored to help other designers and brands kickstart their own collections. We support those who are just starting out as well as established brands ready to outsource and scale their production. Our services are designed to make the journey from concept to finished product as seamless as possible, especially for those seeking high-quality craftsmanship and sustainable practices.

I’m most proud of Casupo’s ability to combine beautiful, functional design with a mission to minimize waste and support sustainable practices. For clients, whether they’re looking to purchase a thoughtfully crafted leather accessory or seeking a production partner, Casupo is here to offer quality, reliability, and a dedication to positive impact.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

This year, I unlearned the idea that success means working hard, long hours to achieve more. I’ve started allowing myself more breaks, and in doing so, I realized that working more doesn’t necessarily lead to making more. This shift has been invaluable, helping me embrace moments of rest and find a new balance.

Growing up in Venezuela, I was taught that success demanded relentless hard work. While dedication is important, I’ve learned it doesn’t have to mean overworking. Instead, it’s often about sitting down, thoughtfully planning where my time is best spent, and deciding which tasks I truly want to handle versus those I can delegate. As a creative, I find that rest is crucial—those quieter moments allow space for fresh ideas to emerge and give me the energy to act on them. Embracing this approach has been transformative for both my well-being and my creative process.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the freedom to move through life with a unique perspective. Every decision I make is shaped by how I envision the outcome, and I’m often guided by a sense of fun and curiosity in the process. There’s something truly fulfilling about choosing the path that feels the most enjoyable and imaginative.

As a creative, I love the ability to make something out of nothing—to turn ideas into reality, to explore, and to experiment. This mindset means that I’m never bored; I can find inspiration in the everyday, and I know how to entertain myself through my own ideas and creations. It’s a way of life that keeps things exciting and full of possibility, and for me, that’s what makes being a creative so rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://casupo.coand https://www.casupomanufacturing.com

• Instagram: @casupo.co

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/casupo

Thank you Canvas Rebel for the great conversation.