Sonja Salmon of Ebby Rane

Sonja Salmon of Ebby Rane

On our next installation of How I Got Here, we are introducing you to the dynamic founder of the luxury luggage company, Ebby Rane. Meet Sonja Salmon, the visionary behind the brand, who left a career in law to revolutionize the way women travel. 

How would you describe your business/career and your role within your business/company today?

Ebby Rane is at a place that I did not imagine when I started the business five years ago. We have created a well-known brand, thanks to a multitude of wonderful and loyal customers, and built an incredible team ready to take the company to the next level.

As the Founder, one of my roles is to set the agenda for the future growth of the business, ensuring we are staying true to our values and living up to the commitments we’ve made to our customers to provide products of the utmost quality and craftsmanship, and an experience that is seamless and rewarding. 

Can you tell us a little bit about your journey?

I love the proverb that “necessity is the mother of invention.” Ebby Rane was born of my personal need as a business traveler for carry-on luggage that was more than the typical empty box. I was frustrated packing my heels in a Ziplock bag, having my clothing and personal items jostled about in my bag and having little choice beyond the polka-dotted or hot pink bags that were deemed “women’s luggage.” So I decided to design what is now our signature product, The Quartermaster, with its interior packing system and timeless, sophisticated exterior. I conducted a focus group of discerning female business travelers in New York and I knew instantly there would be a market for luggage designed specifically for the way women travel. After receiving recognition for our design simplicity and brand ethos, I can humbly say it has been a rewarding journey thus far and I’m excited about the future as we continue to address the needs of women who travel. 

I am always inspired by women who are doing incredible things.  In recent years, I’ve been following women like Sallie Krawchek at Ellevest and Amy Nelson at Riveter. Like Ebby Rane, they have created businesses geared specifically towards meeting a need for women. I find their success and influence in the business world truly inspiring.

What has inspired you over the years?

I am always inspired by women who are doing incredible things.  In recent years, I’ve been following women like Sallie Krawchek at Ellevest and Amy Nelson at Riveter. Like Ebby Rane, they have created businesses geared specifically towards meeting a need for women. I find their success and influence in the business world truly inspiring.

Have you had any mentors?

My mentors have ultimately been my parents who instilled my unquenchable “fire in the belly.” My inspiration for building the value pillars of Ebby Rane were my two grandfathers, Ebby Salmon and Clarence Rainford. With Jamaican roots and humble beginnings, my grandfathers modeled the values that drive me to this day: hard work, kindness and treating others as they wish to be treated.

Which businessperson do you most admire?

There are so many incredible businesspeople it is challenging to select just one. I admire Michael Lee Chin for the consistent discipline he brings to his investment thesis and his ability to make any complex concept simple for people to understand. I admire Oprah Winfrey for her trailblazing career as an astute and strategic businesswoman who always had her finger on the pulse of what her viewers and fans wanted (sometimes before they did!). I admire Natalie Massenet (Net-a-Porter) for her extraordinary vision and her creation of a brand new retail economy for consumers with an experience that was first in the category and is still arguably the market leader.

What is your favourite career/business moment

One of the most rewarding aspects of launching Ebby Rane has been our ability to influence the success of female entrepreneurs in developing countries through our relationship with Opportunity International. We donate a portion of our sales annually to this important cause, which provides microfinancing loans and grants to women in places like the Dominican Republic and Colombia, so they can start small businesses. When the women in developing countries engage in commercial activity, families and communities as a whole benefit and become stronger. I’m extremely proud of our efforts to support women in need this way.

What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

As a woman of colour, I have been underestimated many times in my career in law, in banking and in business. Minority-owned and women-owned businesses face some unique challenges which is why there is a need for more open conversations about growth capital for these underrepresented founders.

When you’re stuck creatively or need a break, you . . ?

When I am faced with a creative block, I turn to exercise and fitness. Recharging by batteries with a good workout usually enables me to channel my creativity once again.  When I’m stuck strategically on a business issue, I like quiet solitude to process and tackle the issue. It allows me to bring new angles and challenge linear solutions.

Do you think personal development has played an important part in your story?

Most definitely! Personal development is a lifelong process, and it is critical to seek opportunities to learn every day. There is nothing more gratifying than learning a new skill or experiencing something new for the first time. I think having the openness to try new things is a key attribute of entrepreneurship.

My goal for Ebby Rane is to become known not just as a luxury luggage brand for women, but more broadly, as a leading North American travel brand. Stay tuned!

If you could pass along any words of wisdom to fellow ambitious women in business, what would they be?

There are a few key things I’ve learned along the way that I offer to other women when they come to me seeking advice. Building strategic partnerships has to be one of the most essential parts in the success of your business. You must engage with people that have expertise in areas that your business needs. Secondly, having confidence in yourself and your product/service goes a long way. Third, branch out and expand your networks as the people you meet today may be beneficial in your business tomorrow. Finally, know your strengths and maximize those strengths to reach your greatest potential.   

What’s your next stop on your bucket list?

My next stop on my bucket list would be, becoming fluent in another language. I would love to be fluent in Spanish.  I would love to live in Panama or Colombia for several months to learn conversational Spanish.

And what’s your next big professional goal?

My goal for Ebby Rane is to become known not just as a luxury luggage brand for women, but more broadly, as a leading North American travel brand. Stay tuned!