Career Girls: Lucky Dog Leather's Lucia Gerbino

Many of us fantasize about having our own business, where you get to be the head creative and marketer. Recently I caught up with Lucia Gerbino, who many of you may also know as Cathy DeBuono’s smart ass camera operator for "What's Your Problem.” Her day job is runningLucky Dog Leather, where she makes custom leather goods. I asked Lucia the what, when and how of her business and marketing as she celebrates the anniversary of her second year in business.

Where did you grow up?

My dad worked for Pan Am, so we were all over the place - I was born in Japan, then we lived several years in Guam.

 Did you grow up with a creative bent?

Yes, I was always making something pretty or making pretty things. In high school I took every art class, then joined the theatre where I made sets for the school productions. I don’t consider myself a fine artist, but more of a craftsperson. I like to make stuff more than draw or paint stuff.

I’ve known you do crafty things over the years- from tiling, to custom books. How did you discover the business of leather goods?

While I creatively loved the tiling business, I found it hard to make a living and physically taxing. I wanted to make something marketable and a business that could sustain me.

Several years ago, I had a friend who worked for a leather company. I went to work there as an apprentice to get some understanding of how the pieces are made. Initially I viewed it as a fun outlet to make gifts for others and basics for myself. Shortly into my time there, the owner offered me a job, which lasted several years. I learned invaluable information about running a business, from sourcing suppliers, to marketing and cash flow. One thing led to another and I unexpectedly had a new craft.

How did Lucky Dog come about?

I started Lucky Dog Leather while working for the leather company. Initially offered only hand painted dog collars so as not to compete with them. The storeowner eventually moved out of state and closed her doors, so it opened the opportunity for me to expand my line to include people products. After about a year, it was going well enough to be my sole business.

What is your top seller?

The Special Edition X Weave belt (pictured above). People love Lucky Dog Leather because in addition to cool design, I also offer customizable colors, combinations and materials. So if you get to almost build your own piece.

More on next page...