Today we’d like to introduce you to Aston LaFon.
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?
Since 2014, I’ve been the Co-Founder and VP of Brand & Sales for a men’s grooming brand called 18.21 Man Made. 18.21 is a top shelf brand that empowers barbers, stylists and men alike through professional grade grooming products and lifestyle wisdom.
Prior to 18.21, I worked on the sales & brand side of the pro-beauty business for nearly 25 years. Over the years, I’ve branded, created, distributed or imported brands such as Enjoy, Lakme, Reverie, Verb and more.
And I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a great mix of colleagues and mentors. I’m continually learning from those around me improving every day and I feel truly inspired and motivated by the people in my life.
As a career philosophy, I believe in being honest, genuine, gracious, nurturing and enabling. I’m never complacent, always learning and try to continually improve. I don’t spend much time looking back because what’s done is done and I’m far more interested in what’s next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a business, 18.21 shares the same core challenges that any start up faces but, manufacturing has been our biggest challenge when scaling the business. Particularly in a world where demand is strong and COVID continues to cause supply chain disruptions.
Thankfully, though there have been far more successes than failures at 18.21. At times it has seemed impossible but, we’ve always seemed to push through impossible, learn from it and grow.
I’m so grateful for the enduring strength and positivity of my wife Kaja and my son Jaden over the years. As a family, we’ve made sacrifices and contributions to grow the business, and I couldn’t be my best without their love and support.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve helped grow some great brands in the pro-beauty business but I’m best known for being one of the founders of 18.21 Man Made. As the Co-Founder and VP of Brand & Sales for 18.21, I’m responsible for establishing and achieving the sales & marketing goals of the business.
My colleagues would probably say that I’m an enabling leader that unifies the team around common goals, strives to inspire others through my actions and empowers others to be themselves and do their best.
I’ve earned a reputation within the pro-beauty industry as someone that can be relied upon to help create, grow or nourish brands and for being a strong creative with a knack for designing things that will stand out from the crowd.
I’m continually looking for voids and thinking about uncommon solutions to fill those voids. And all of my ideas can’t be good so I tend to draw inspiration from anything and anyone.
With 18.21, it was my wife Kaja Gybasova that said “you’re a dude, you should make dude stuff” and she was so right. Digging deeper into the men’s grooming landscape revealed a strong opportunity for innovation and a market that was eagerly awaiting something to support their finer tastes & aspirations.
I’m so proud of our team for creating and growing a brand that empowers others to feel confident and self-assured. I love our customers, they’ve fueled our passion, our growth and have kept the dream alive. A customer once told me that he met the love of his life because she sniffed his 18.21 Sweet Tobacco scent and had to say hello. Is there anything better than that?
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m obsessed with Formula 1 so, I couldn’t be happier that Austin hosts an F1 race every year at Circuit of the America’s. My work space is filled with F1 memorabilia from my favorite drivers and teams, and Kaja and I watch every race together. I recommend watching Drive to Survive on Netflix, it’s a great a series that will help introduce you to the drivers and teams.
7 time world champion Lewis Hamilton is my hero. Lewis is the best example that with focus, determination, sacrifice, team work and a gracious spirit, a person can defy all of the odds, achieve their dreams and inspire others to chase their own dreams.
Contact Info:
- Email: aston@1821manmade.com
- Website: www.1821manmade.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/1821manmade
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/1821manmade
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/1821manmade
Image Credits
Kelsey Lawrence, Nine Supply
