Vince Lebon, the Founder, CEO, and Designer of Rollie, envisions becoming a prominent co-branded guest designer engaged in capsule projects with major brands and influencers. Renowned for his iconic aesthetic, futuristic innovations, and commitment to customer experience, Vince launched Rollie in 2012.
Inspired by his flight attendant wife, Kat, also known as Rollie, Vince aimed to create an exceptionally lightweight shoe, allowing travellers to carry multiple pairs effortlessly. With a natural curiosity and a dedication to knowledge, Vince honed his craft alongside industry leaders such as shoemaker Andrew McDonald in Sydney, Australia, SLEM Innovation & Training Institute in the Netherlands, and Pensole Footwear Academy in Oregon, USA.
Let’s learn more about Vince in this Member Focus Feature.
Q: Could you provide a brief background about yourself, your family, and your business?
I’m a husband, a father of two, a founder and a forever curious design collaborator. I’m Mauritian-Australian and grew up in the Western suburbs of Melbourne. I studied multimedia design and stumbled into the world of footwear design in my early twenties, eventually leading me to establish my own footwear brand, Rollie Nation in 2012.
Q: What inspired you to embark on the entrepreneurial journey?
I saw an opportunity in the market at the time and felt like it was in me. I had all the technical skills, and deep down, I knew it was something I was capable of.
Q: What aspects of being an entrepreneur do you enjoy the most?
I really enjoy brand building and fostering a community as well as the sense of being in control of your own destiny as an entrepreneur.
Q: What are the significant challenges you have encountered as an entrepreneur?
The challenges I face evolve with the growth of the business. Initially, it could be about resources, then it might transition to finding the right talent, and later on, it might be about refining processes or adapting to market conditions. There’s always something to navigate.
Q: What motivated you to join EO?
I joined because I wanted to be around like-minded individuals, and additionally, I’m driven to constantly develop my leadership skills, both for myself and my team.
Q: Can you share a valuable lesson you've learned from your own experience or another entrepreneur or mentor?
A valuable lesson I’ve learnt is that it’s not about what you're capable of doing, it’s about what you put out into the world that matters.