Passionate. Optimistic. Reliable.
Meet Hexi Xiao, a senior at the University of Southern California. This Computer Science and Business Administration major was born in Chengdu, China and spent his high school years in Boston, Massachusetts! Last year, he built Vince Durden, a eco-friendly fashion brand specializing in backpacks. Hexi was inspired to create Vince Durden because he wanted to use his skills to build something cool. Backpacks seemed to be a small enough niche to start with. Though he’s no longer working on Vince Durden, he hopes to create waves in the eco-friendly fashion space.
What is the purpose of your company/project?
To create a movement in backpack accessory business and reinvent people’s preference for backpacks towards eco-friendly materials.
What inspired you to start your company/project?
I wanted to start something within my capabilities! A backpack seemed to be a small enough niche to start with. The global manufacturer sourcing is a strength in this space that I hoped would put me ahead of others.
What are your ingredients for a good Kickstarter?
The video is the most important part of Kickstarter: an appealing video and a well-thought-out storyline are more valuable than any other efforts! Visuals and infographics can also positively affect your campaign more than you think. People really hate looking at texts!
What sorts of people did you recruit for your team?
I recruited people of specific skills for my team: photographer, video producer, marketing strategist, copywriter and so on… Every role is specific!
As for how to improve the team, I wish I was able to get an advisor on board. It would’ve added more credibility. I’d also be allowed to tap into his or her network.
What is your vision for the future of your company/project?
I see Vince Durden as a high-potential startup that could end up in big department stores such as Urban Outfitters, as well as small boutique shops on Abbot Kinney. I don’t see myself operating this business in the long run, but I do encourage people who want to enter fashion industry as a career to just try it out!
Why do you think entrepreneurship is important?
One of the biggest elements of being an entrepreneur is the ability to prioritize. It’s important to know what’s the most important for you, or your company; and it’s even more important to be able to let go of things that look hot at the moment but aren’t beneficial to you in the long run.
What are you up to these days?
I have been working on designing the Sigma Eta Pi pledge process. SEP pledging is the perfect combination of bonding with your class as a family and gaining some hands-on experience starting your own business. I’m dedicated to develop human potential and transform individuals into starters who follow their passion, develop lasting relationships, and create value through innovative pursuits.
Favorite food?
Hotpot. KBBQ. Froyo.
Favorite TV show?
Game of Thrones
Fun fact about you?
I can rap in Chinese!
Come out to Founders Roundtable to chat with Hexi about his experiences with Vince Durden and his views on the eco-friendly fashion industry (and possibly hear some Chinese rapping)!
Spark SC champions the entrepreneurial spirit at the University of Southern California. Through initiatives like 1000 Pitches, the Startup Career Fair, and Project Launch, we inspire students to participate in a culture of innovation at USC and beyond. Learn more about what we do and how to get involved at our website, sparksc.org.
