Steph Korey :Revolutionizing Travel with Away

Steph Korey Co - Founder Away
Steph Korey – Co-Founder, Away

Discover the journey of Steph Korey, Co-Founder of Away, who revolutionized the travel industry with high-quality, affordable luggage. Learn about her leadership, innovations, and commitment to supporting diverse entrepreneurs.

Steph Korey, an innovative entrepreneur and early-stage investor, co-founded Away in 2015, a direct-to-consumer modern travel and lifestyle brand that has quickly become a household name. With its high-quality, affordable luggage, Away has revolutionized the travel industry by offering products that combine functionality, style, and affordability. Under Korey’s leadership, Away reached a valuation of $1.4 billion and was twice named one of Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies.” Korey’s journey from Head of Supply Chain at Warby Parker to CEO of Away, and her continued impact as an investor, reflects her dedication to innovation, quality, and inclusivity.

The Birth of Away

Away was born out of a simple yet profound idea: to create high-quality, thoughtfully designed luggage at an affordable price. Korey, alongside her co-founder, Jen Rubio, identified a gap in the market for luggage that was both stylish and functional. Traditional luggage brands were either prohibitively expensive or lacked durability and design. Korey and Rubio aimed to disrupt this market by offering products that solved real travel problems without breaking the bank.

The concept was simple: create luggage with thoughtful features like built-in phone chargers, durable materials, and sleek designs. By selling directly to consumers, Away could maintain high quality while keeping prices competitive. This direct-to-consumer model also allowed the company to build a strong relationship with its customers, fostering brand loyalty and trust.

Building a Modern Brand

Steph Korey’s experience as Head of Supply Chain at Warby Parker was instrumental in shaping Away’s approach to product development and manufacturing. At Warby Parker, Korey built and led a team responsible for the development, manufacturing, and fulfillment of physical products. This experience gave her a deep understanding of supply chain management, which she leveraged to ensure Away’s products met the highest standards of quality and design.

Away’s first product, The Carry-On, quickly gained popularity for its innovative features and minimalist design. The suitcase’s built-in battery allowed travelers to charge their devices on the go, addressing a common pain point for modern travelers. The Carry-On’s success set the stage for Away’s rapid growth and expansion into other product lines, including larger suitcases, travel bags, and accessories.

Leadership and Innovation

Under Steph Korey’s leadership, Away’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction became the cornerstone of the brand. The company’s growth was driven by a customer-centric approach, using feedback and data to continually improve products and introduce new features. Away’s emphasis on storytelling and community-building also played a crucial role in its success. The brand’s marketing campaigns, which often featured real stories from travelers, resonated with a broad audience and helped build a loyal customer base.

Korey’s leadership style was characterized by a relentless focus on quality and a willingness to take risks. This approach not only propelled Away to the forefront of the travel industry but also earned Korey recognition as a leading entrepreneur. She was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Retail and ECommerce and honored as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

Transition and Continued Impact

In 2020, Steph Korey stepped down as CEO of Away but continued to serve on the Board of Directors, ensuring her vision and values remained integral to the company’s future. Her decision to step back from the day-to-day operations allowed her to focus on other ventures and investments, further expanding her impact as an entrepreneur and investor.

As an angel investor, Korey is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. She believes that talent is universally distributed, but opportunity is not. This philosophy has guided her investment strategy, with notable investments in companies like Intimately, Veracity Selfcare, and Lovevery. By backing diverse founders, Korey is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Personal Journey and Achievements

Steph Korey’s journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur and investor is rooted in her diverse academic and professional background. She earned a B.A. in International Relations from Brown University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. These academic experiences provided her with a global perspective and a deep understanding of business and economics.

Korey’s professional journey began with roles at top-tier organizations, where she gained valuable experience in supply chain management and product development. Her time at Warby Parker, in particular, was instrumental in shaping her approach to building and scaling Away. This experience, combined with her academic background, equipped Korey with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.