Q&A With the Owners of Le Ninja

Timeless (Back Again) with another Q&A



*Timeless Question* To help  the readers better understand you and your line can you tell them a little bit about both? 

Le Ninja is an American Clothing Brand created by two friends who wanted to buy fashionable, quality clothing made in the U.S.A.  After graduating from Valparaiso University in May 2010, each with a JD/MBA, we searched through websites and stores of popular clothing brands and discovered that it was nearly impossible to buy such clothing.  After talking to friends, family and strangers, it seemed that they had all made the same discovery.  So, we decided to start making what they and so many others wanted to buy.  Le Ninja is a blend of East and West, of Haute Couture and the young American movement to develop our own fashion, culture, and ability.

*Timeless Question* How did you come up with a name like Le Ninja?

"Le Ninja" is French for "The Ninja."  We were searching for a name that would truly represent what we were trying to create.  Ninja’s are masters at what they do.  The word “Le” sounds fancier than the word “The.”  Subsequently, our company was born.

*Timeless Question* Did you always want to start a clothing business? 

I am not sure that we ever dreamed of starting a clothing line.  We had a taste for fashion and clothing but having a line of our own was something of a pleasant and unexpected journey.  Our choice to be entrepreneurs has been the best of our lives, thus far.  We have always wanted to make a difference, and this clothing line is also about doing our part to revive American Industry.  Making our clothes in the U.S.A. is paramount to our existence. 

*Timeless Question* What inspired your very first design and has your style changed since then?

Our first design was inspired by many factors.  First, the design was extraordinarily literal.  It included countless sketches of a Ninja holding a French Baguette, Ninjas with French Mustaches and striped shirts, and some with a beret instead of a headband.  Eventually we had sketched enough and it started to take shape, it had to be a symbol that was all things just like the name.  It was simple and sophisticated, strong, yet inviting.  After coming up with a general idea, we took our design to a professional, MH Dezign, of Chicago.  They polished our rough draft and brought it to life.  So, our design has changed but the idea remained the same.  We searched for the perfect representation of our idea, and we’re confident that we’ve found it!

*Timeless Question* What were your goals before you started your line and have they changed since then?

Our goals before we started Le Ninja were to start a business that makes a positive difference in the world and to be happy working at it.   We believe making high quality fashionable clothing in the U.S.A. is an important purpose. Today, many clothing companies focus their energy on the bottom line at the expense of quality and the American economy.  Our line prides itself on being 100% Made in the U.S.A. without the use of sweatshops or unfair labor practices.  Our goals have remained mostly the same in purpose, but have expanded in breadth.  

*Timeless Question* How is Le Ninja different?

Le Ninja is about a lifestyle not about squeezing profit margins.  It’s about living free, committed to excellence, humility and good times.  Our mantra is simple, "Be Le Ninja."  It means, whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability with the resources you have, be humble, and never give up.  

*Timeless Question* If you could choose one celebrity to wear your clothes who would that person be?

We can’t choose just one! Celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Scarlett Johansson, Matt Damon, Ellen DeGeneres, and Oprah Winfrey who contribute so much of their time, energy, money, and popularity to charities would be our favorites. Choosing one celebrity is a challenge.  To be honest any celebrity that knows who they are and truly finds our clothing line fashionable and feels comfortable wearing it would be great.  Sure there are celebrities out there that we think would look great in the V Neck especially the one with Genuine Swarowski Crystals like Selena Gomez or Lauren Conrad but anyone really who believes in our brand and what we stand for would be a great choice! 

*Timeless Question* Everyone who has money and many who don't shop on Black Friday, how do you draw attention to your brand?

We are a fairly new brand.  Just launched last week, in fact.  In order to drive attention to our brand and site we are using social media like Facebook and Twitter to gain loyal followers and fans of the brand.  In addition, we are conducting a guerilla marketing campaign, hitting the streets of Chicago passing out stickers and wearing the shirts.  We focus the majority of our efforts on making our customers happy and word of mouth advertising.

*Timeless Question* How do you go about hiring employees such as designers? 

Right now our friends at M.H.Dezign help us with design aspect.  As for other employees our Office Ninja, Morgan, does an excellent job running the sales office and customer service.  As the company continues to grow we will be looking for fashion consultants, designers, IT, and accounting help.  We look for people who are reliable, fun, and easy to work with. 

*Timeless Question* What is a regular work day for you?

Let’s just say we do not sleep much right now!  We are constantly working social media networks and spreading the brand and the website.  Before the site launched however, a typical day consisted of talking with vendors and purchasers regarding a number of different things for the clothing line.  In a typical day we probably log close to 14 hours and love every minute of it!

*Timeless Question* Running a business is hard work, what do you to relax?

Turn off the computer, and get out and do something active.  Either working out, going to a movie, or playing the guitar are good stress relievers.  Two weeks ago we went to South Bend, IN and attended a Notre Dame game which was a good time.  Additionally we really love going out in Chicago.  Oh and we also play an acoustic set at bars and coffee shops sometimes which is a nice break from work! 

*Timeless Question* Where can customers find Le Ninja and contact you for any questions?

Customers can find anything they want about Le Ninja at our website www.leninja.com.  They can also see our facebook page at www.facebook.com/leninjaclothing  We pride ourselves on quality and a desire to hear the voices of our customers.  Anyone is free to e-mail us at jon@leninja.com or joel@leninja.com

We would love to hear from anyone so please feel free to share your favorite ninja stories with us or anything in general we love to hear it!

BE LE NINJA!!! 

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