Today we’d like to introduce you to Camryn Leibowitz.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up moving between London and New Jersey, we actually moved 6 times before I turned 12.
Going to school in the UK was awesome, there was such a large expat community there and my friends at school were from all over the world. My dad at the time was traveling a bunch for work, so my mom, myself, and my brothers would join him whenever we could. Dubai, Hong Kong, Geneva, Cape Town – we were always on the go, and it was my favorite thing.
We settled permanently in New Jersey when I was 12, and from there, I went to Georgetown University for college. I studied International Relations and traveled as much as I could.
It was actually on the way to my study abroad program that we came up with the idea for Castle Shelves. I had just done a road trip through southern Spain and went to meet my mom in London, prior to going to Saint Petersburg, Russia for my semester abroad. This was back in 2019, she had her “light-bulb” moment in our hotel room in London and I’ve been obsessed with the idea of Castle Shelves ever since.
For me, there’s nothing more amazing than exploration. Traveling makes me feel alive, introduces me to new ideas, and in doing so lets me know myself. My goal with Royce & Rocket is to make travel products that empower people to go! I love everything we’ve created and am so motivated by the impact I see our products having on our customers and even my own experiences traveling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not by a long shot! But then again, which entrepreneur would claim otherwise?
Neither my mom nor I came from an entrepreneurial background, let alone had any experience in suitcases! Royce & Rocket was actually my first job out of college, while my mom was making a comeback to the workforce after a two-decade break. It was the textbook definition of starting from scratch.
We’ve made our fair share of mistakes and definitely learned a bunch of lessons the hard way. For us, we’re committed to seeing each misstep as a place for growth and understanding. So even when things get hard, we let that philosophy guide us forward.
We’ve been impressed with Royce & Rocket, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I make suitcases with shelves! Or more so, my mom and I founded Royce & Rocket.
We’re the proud creators of the Castle Suitcases. We’re focused on making chic and functional travel products. We’re all about the type of items you’ll have forever, that are as gorgeous as they are life-changing and useful.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The people! There’s a specific Nashville twist on Southern Hospitality that I just love. Everyone is so friendly and high energy. Music and food are the way to my heart, so Nashville and I are truly a match made in Broadway heaven.
Give me live music at Jason Aldean’s and some hot chicken and I’m set. It’s a special place for me. What do I like least? I never have enough time to do everything I want to! The list of things I want to do and see in Nashville always seems to grow quicker than I get anything done!
Pricing:
- Castle Classic – $595
- Castle Carry-on – $415
- Packing Cubes Set of 4 – $70
Contact Info:
- Website: https://royceandrocket.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royceandrocket/
