Jet-Setting to Success: Steph Korey and Jen Rubio's Unforgettable Journey with Away, Redefining Travel and Entrepreneurship!

Finding the perfect luggage can be a challenge in a world where travel is a part of our daily lives. That's where Away comes in. This innovative company, which Steph Korey and Jen Rubio founded, has redefined travel and entrepreneurship. Their unforgettable journey has captured the hearts of millennial travelers and raised the bar for the luggage industry as a whole.

The story behind Away and its founders, Steph Korey, and Jen Rubio

Away began with a broken suitcase. After experiencing the frustration of her luggage breaking in an airport, Jen Rubio knew there had to be a better solution. She connected with her former colleague at Warby Parker, Steph Korey, and together they dreamed of creating a durable hard-shell suitcase that would revolutionize how people travel.

With determination and a clear vision, Rubio and Korey launched Away in 2015 as a female-founded, direct-to-consumer luggage retailer. Their first product, the Carry-On, quickly became a sensation among travelers captivated by its sleek design and practical features.

But Away didn't stop there. They continued to innovate, launching three more suitcases within their first year of business: The Bigger Carry-On, The Medium, and The Large. Each bag was carefully crafted with attention to detail and functionality, winning over customers worldwide.

Away's success can be attributed to its relentless online marketing strategy. They connected with their target demographic and generated buzz for their business through social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. Their ads became synonymous with stylish travel and captured the attention of millennials eager to explore the world.

However, success came with challenges. In late 2019, reports of a toxic workplace culture within Away surfaced, leading to the replacement of Steph Korey as CEO. Despite these setbacks, Away has continued to thrive under new leadership and remains a favorite choice for travelers seeking high-quality luggage.

Steph Korey and Jen Rubio's entrepreneurial journey with Away showcases the power of innovation and determination. Their commitment to creating a brand that resonates with customers has set them apart in the competitive travel industry. As they continue to redefine travel and entrepreneurship, it's clear that Away is here to stay.

Start your journey with Away and experience the difference for yourself.

The Birth of Away

How the idea for a new travel brand came about

In early 2015, Jen Rubio and Steph Korey, the co-founders of Away, found themselves in the chaos of an airport when Rubio's suitcase broke. This experience made Rubio realize there was a market for a stylish, durable, and affordable bag. Unable to find exactly what she was looking for, Rubio created her own.

With their combined expertise in social media and supply chain management, Rubio and Korey have raised $2.5 million in less than a year to launch their dream travel brand, Away. They started with a line of sleek and functional suitcases sold directly to consumers.

Away quickly gained popularity and became a cult luggage brand, resonating with young jet-setting customers. The company has sold more than one million suitcases to date.

Redefined Travel and Entrepreneurship

Rubio and Korey's journey with Away goes beyond creating a successful luggage company. They have redefined the concept of travel and entrepreneurship by setting new standards for branding and customer experience.

With a strong focus on online marketing and relentless efforts to connect emotionally with their target audience, Rubio and Korey have built a brand that stands out in a crowded market. Away's sleek design, high-quality materials, innovative features like built-in battery packs, and affordable pricing have made it a favorite among travelers.

Away's success has also paved the way for other female-founded companies to gain recognition and investment. In 2019, Away raised $100 million at a valuation of $1.4 billion, becoming one of the few female-founded companies to achieve unicorn status.

Building the Brand

When building a successful brand, few stories are as inspiring as that of Steph Korey and Jen Rubio, the co-founders of Away. Their journey in redefining travel and entrepreneurship is genuinely unforgettable.

Creating a sleek and iconic luggage line for the modern traveler

Steph Korey and Jen Rubio saw an opportunity in the travel industry to create a luggage brand that was not only functional but also stylish and modern. They set out to design a suitcase that could withstand the rigors of travel while still looking sleek and fashionable.

Their signature product, the Carry-On, quickly became a must-have item for travelers worldwide. The Carry-On was a game-changer in the industry with its hard-sided polycarbonate shell, 360-degree spinner wheels, and built-in battery pack for charging personal devices.

But it wasn't just the product itself that made Away stand out. Korey and Rubio knew the 

importance of branding, and they executed it flawlessly. They created a sleek and minimalist logo that immediately caught people's attention. They also focused on creating a solid online presence through social media marketing, which helped them connect with their target audience of millennial travelers.

The success of their brand continued. They also opened stores in major cities across the globe, creating physical spaces where customers could experience the brand firsthand.

Through their relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to creating a brand that resonates with travelers, Steph Korey and Jen Rubio have taken Away from a startup to a global phenomenon. Their journey is a testament to what can be achieved when passion and innovation come together in entrepreneurship.

Disrupting the Industry

Imagine a world where travel was convenient, stylish, affordable, and hassle-free. This was the vision that Steph Korey and Jen Rubio had when they founded Away, a direct-to-consumer luggage retailer that revolutionized the travel industry.

The impact of Away's direct-to-consumer model

With their innovative business model, Away eliminated the middleman and sold their products directly to consumers.By cutting out the markup and distribution costs associated with conventional retail, Away could pass on the savings to their customers.

But it wasn't just the price that set Away apart. Their sleek and modern designs quickly gained popularity, with millennial travelers drawn to the brand's minimalist aesthetic and functional features. Away's signature product, the Carry-On suitcase, became an instant hit, with celebrities and influencers showcasing it on social media.

By leveraging social media and influencer marketing, Away was able to create a strong brand presence and generate buzz around its products. The brand's Instagram-friendly aesthetic and travel-focused content resonated with its target audience, resulting in a cult-like following and exponential growth.

Away's success continued beyond its product design and marketing strategy. By providing a lifetime warranty, free shipping and returns, and first-rate customer support, they also focused the client experience. 

This commitment to providing a seamless shopping experience helped them build customer trust and loyalty.

In just a few short years, Away went from being a startup founded by two former Warby Parker employees to becoming one of the most recognizable brands in the travel industry. Despite facing challenges along the way, including internal controversies and the impact of COVID-19 on travel, Steph Korey and Jen Rubio have proven that they are resilient entrepreneurs who can navigate through adversity.

Through their bold vision, innovative business model, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Korey and Rubio have redefined travel and entrepreneurship, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Away is more than just a luggage brand – it symbolizes adventure, style, and the power of following your dreams.

Achieving Success

Away, the famous luggage brand, has become synonymous with travel and adventure. The company's success can be ascribed to Steph Korey and Jen Rubio's foresight and tenacity as its co-founders. 

Their journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and innovation in the travel industry.

The growth and achievements of Away as a travel brand

Since its founding in 2015, Away has grown exponentially, capturing the hearts and minds of millennial travelers worldwide. The company's signature product, the Carry-On suitcase, quickly became a must-have travel accessory due to its sleek design, durability, and built-in battery pack.

Away's success can be attributed to several key factors:

Understanding the market: Jen Rubio and Steph Korey noticed a void in the market for fashionable luggage. They tapped into the desires and preferences of millennial travelers who prioritized convenience and style.

Innovative marketing: Away's marketing strategy was crucial in establishing its brand. They used social media channels like Facebook and Instagram to interact with their target market and promote their products. The visually appealing ads featuring real travelers resonated with consumers and created a sense of wanderlust.

Strong brand identity: Away successfully positioned itself as a lifestyle brand rather than just a luggage company. They focused on creating a community of travel enthusiasts through engaging content, partnerships with influencers, and collaborations with other brands.

Expansion into physical retail: While Away primarily operates as an e-commerce business, they recognized the importance of creating offline experiences for customers. They opened flagship stores in major cities, allowing customers to experience their products firsthand.

Recognition and accolades: Away's dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has earned them numerous awards. They have been praised for their sleek design, innovative features, and commitment to sustainability.

Steph Korey and Jen Rubio's journey with Away is an inspiring example of how a business can disrupt an industry through innovative products and strong branding. 

Redefining Travel and Entrepreneurship

Away, the luggage company Steph Korey and Jen Rubio founded is more than just a business. It embodies a new way of thinking about travel and entrepreneurship.

Here are a few key points about how Away is changing the game:

How Away is changing the way people think about travel and entrepreneurship.

Innovative Product: Away revolutionized the luggage industry with durable hard-shell suitcases and built-in personal device charging capabilities. This innovative product combines functionality and style, catering to the needs of modern travelers.

Direct-to-Consumer Model: Away disrupted the traditional retail model by adopting a direct-to-consumer approach. By selling their products online and cutting out the middleman, they can offer high-quality luggage at more affordable prices.

Focus on Customer Experience: Away prioritizes customer satisfaction by offering a lifetime warranty on their suitcases and providing exceptional customer service. They are aware of the significance of giving tourists a satisfying experience, beginning when they buy their bags and continuing throughout their trip. They are mindful of the importance of providing tourists an enjoyable expertise, starting when they buy their bags and continuing throughout their journey.

Social Media Marketing: Rubio and Korey leveraged social media platforms like Instagram to build brand recognition and interaction with their intended market. Through visually appealing content and influencer partnerships, they created a community of loyal customers who share their love for travel and adventure.

Empowering Female Leadership: With Korey and Rubio at the helm, Away has become an example of successful female entrepreneurship. They have shattered glass ceilings and inspired women worldwide to pursue their dreams in male-dominated industries.

Overall, Away has redefined what it means to travel in style while also building a successful business. Their combination of innovative products, direct-to-consumer approach, focus on customer experience, strategic marketing, and female leadership sets them apart in travel and entrepreneurship.

Jet-setting to success, Steph Korey and Jen Rubio have created an unforgettable journey with Away, leaving a lasting impact on the way people travel and approach entrepreneurship.

The Future of Away

Away, the innovative luggage brand Steph Korey and Jen Rubio founded, has made waves in the travel industry and beyond. From its humble beginnings as a direct-to-consumer retailer to its recent valuation as a billion-dollar company, Away has redefined how people think about travel and entrepreneurship.

What's next for the brand and its founders

As Away grows and expands, several exciting developments are on the horizon. The company plans to leverage its success in the luggage market to become a full-fledged travel brand. Steph Korey and Jen Rubio have always had larger ambitions for Away, and they are now ready to take the next step in realizing their vision.

One of the critical areas of focus for Away is to expand into apparel, accessories, and wellness products. The company recognizes that travel is about what you pack in your suitcase and how you prepare. They aim to simplify and enhance the travel experience by offering products that cater to the needs of travelers, from skincare and supplements to comfortable travel apparel.

Additionally, Away has plans to open 50 new stores worldwide over the next three years. This expansion will allow even more customers to experience the brand in person and interact with their products. Away's physical retail locations are more than just a place to buy luggage – they are immersive spaces celebrating travel and offering a unique shopping experience.

An unforgettable journey of Steph Korey and Jen Rubio with Away.

Steph Korey and Jen Rubio's journey with Away has been remarkable. From a broken suitcase in an airport to building a multimillion-dollar luggage brand, they have left an indelible mark on the travel industry.

Their story is one of resilience, innovation, and relentless pursuit of their vision.They saw a market gap and filled it with a service that appealed to younger tourists. 

The success of their signature Carry-On catapulted them to new heights.

However, the road to success was not without its bumps. Reports of a toxic workplace culture and scandals surrounding company executives tarnished Away's reputation. Yet, they boldly decided to bring in new leadership and address these issues head-on.

As the COVID-19 pandemic halted travel, Away faced unprecedented challenges. The question remains: can they bounce back from the shutdowns and internal turmoil?

Regardless of the outcome, Steph Korey and Jen Rubio's journey with Away is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the impact of a strong brand. They have redefined what it means to travel in style and have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Their story should inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to dream big, take risks, and embrace challenges. Through branding, innovation, and unwavering determination, anything is possible.