Meet Duffle Bag Tone: An Inside Look at Tote & Carry with CEO/Founder Tony Rey

https://vimeo.com/1020017802/7733bc62a2 Tote & Carry is a brand quickly becoming renowned for its bold and innovative approach to luxury travel accessories. Founded in 2016 by Tony Rey, also known as 'Duffle Bag Tone,' the company has grown into a leader in the luxury luggage space with its unique blend of fashion-forward designs and practical functionality. Tote & Carry offers high-quality craftsmanship at affordable prices while catering to travelers with a flair for style thanks to its unique eco-friendly materials, vibrant colors, and signature snakeskin patterns. The story behind this successful brand is one of ambition, creativity, and cultural influence. Visit Tote&Carry Online Store to stay informed about Tote & Carry's newest collections and initiatives. Tote & Carry's success is owed to Tony Rey, a visionary entrepreneur with a diverse background, just like his brand. After being born in Taipei, Taiwan, and emigrating to the U.S. At the age of seven, he influenced his fashion approach, allowing him to infuse his products with global appeal. Rey developed his creative skills by working with apparel, footwear, and accessories designers, which helped him perfect his eye for design and skills in marketing and product development. [caption id="attachment_537472" align="alignnone" width="662"] Courtesy of Tote & Carry[/caption]   During LA Fashion Week, he was officially revealed as the CEO of Tote & Carry in a surprise on-stage moment. During the Tote & Carry fashion show the audience was captivated as a dramatic runway event occurred with a staged “arrest” of “Duffle Bag Tone”, Tony Rey. The moment has gone viral and is being followed up with interrogation scenes and other videos in a campaign to “Free Duffle Bag Tone” This publicity campaign symbolizes Rey's public step into the limelight as the leader of his brand. Rey, who has spent a lot of time behind the scenes, is now embracing his role as CEO, leading Tote & Carry to new heights while wearing the title of 'Duffle Bag Tone'.   [caption id="attachment_537474" align="alignnone" width="662"] Courtesy of Tote & Carry[/caption] Tony Rey shares his journey, challenges, and plans to use his success to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs in an exclusive interview with LandonBuford.com. Rey's commitment to bold designs and helping others succeed in business is a critical factor in his success as a fashion leader and mentor for future innovators, ensuring the brand's integrity is maintained while scaling. His story proves the power of perseverance, passion, and the ability to believe in one's vision.

1. After eight years as the CEO of TOTE&CARRY, you’re finally being recognized on a larger stage. How does it feel to step into the spotlight after years of building the brand?

It feels amazing. I feel blessed to have this opportunity. There's been a lot of struggles, obstacles along the way. I'm just glad now that I finally have a chance to voice the story. How do I feel? I feel excited. And, yeah, this needs to be done.

1. TOTE&CARRY has recently been investigated. Can you explain what this investigation entails and how the company is navigating it?

So, There's been an investigation on Duffle Bag Tone, aka Tony Ray, the CEO of Tote & Carry. The investigation is it's a few topics on the investigation black-owned versus minority-owned, and also the last designer stitch his role in the company, also just everything That's happening behind the scenes, who's behind the brand, who's behind this brand, and how these brands, how are these products arriving, and how are they being shipped? It's a whole. It's a whole. It's a whole. It's a whole investigation going on right now." [caption id="attachment_537475" align="alignnone" width="624"] Courtesy of Tote & Carry[/caption]

1. As CEO, what have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced while growing the brand, and how did you overcome them?

  The biggest challenge is being in the present and planning for the future at the same time—handling today's issues, what we have to overcome, and troubleshooting while also preparing for what's ahead. Employee management, fulfillment centers, warehouse operations—it's all been a challenge. These problems aren't something you just overcome; they’re an everyday part of running a business. It's an ongoing battle, and I'm still working through these issues right now, as we speak." Visit Tote&Carry Online Store to stay informed about Tote & Carry's newest collections and initiatives.

1. TOTE&CARRY is known for its bold designs and commitment to luxury. How have you ensured the brand stays true to its roots while scaling on a more significant level?

[caption id="attachment_537476" align="alignnone" width="662"] @ryan_corr-DamienxToteCarry[/caption] We're still working with our vendors—the same vendors we used years ago when we first started—regarding material and fabric. We do our quality checks, you know, our QC—quality control—and stay true to our bright colors, etc.

1. You’ve expressed a passion for helping entrepreneurs with ideas but lack the capital to turn them into reality. What motivated you to focus on supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, and why is this so important to you?

I see a lot of talent and potential in the world today, especially in young entrepreneurs. Being supportive and sharing my knowledge is a way for me to invest in them, right? I like to invest in people. I like to invest in talent. And this is what I think is going to make America better—make America great again—by supporting one another and helping people win.

1. What practical steps or advice would you offer to entrepreneurs with innovative ideas but limited financial resources?

Learn to sell before you make the goods. When you have an idea, a concept, or a product, learn to sell that before you commit to buying inventory or signing up for operations classes and overhead. Understanding the backend is part of selling the product before you make it. Don’t jump into the water right away. If you can learn to sell a product before you make it, you always win.  

1. How has your own entrepreneurial journey with TOTE&CARRY influenced your desire to teach others how to generate revenue from their ideas?

  My journey with Tote & Carry has been a real one. Seeing other people win and helping other people generate revenue helps me win as well. When other people win, I win, too. This is my point of view.

1. In your experience, what’s the most critical mindset shift an aspiring entrepreneur needs to make to transform an idea into a profitable business successfully?

The most critical mindset you need to have is that it's okay to fail, that you're ready to work under pressure, and that you're flexible. This is a lifestyle—not a nine-to-five. Be ready to be flexible, be ready to troubleshoot, and just know that this is a long journey. This is a long way.

1. What initiatives or programs do you have in place, or are planning, to help aspiring entrepreneurs, and how can they access these resources?

Well, I’m looking to start building an online community, whether it’s through WhatsApp, a Facebook community, or a Slack channel. There could even be a potential podcast coming soon, but I’m just getting started. [caption id="attachment_537478" align="alignnone" width="662"] Courtesy of Tote & Carry[/caption]   Tony Rey, also known as Duffle Bag Tone, is essential to Tote & Carry's brand. The luxury travel space is dominated by the brand he's behind, which also supports aspiring entrepreneurs. Visit Tote&Carry's Online Store to stay informed about Tote & Carry's newest collections and initiatives.