Presentation by Logan Brown, entrepreneur and Harvard law student. She recently launched her own trouser suit company, Spencer Jane, which offers the ultimate work-from-home blazer, face mask and sweatpants.
Teen magazine interviewed Logan to discuss his new startup, the journey to law school, and why resilience is key to succeeding as an entrepreneur.
Trip to law school
When did you first develop an interest in law? How did you start pursuing it?
I have been interested in law for as long as I can remember. After watching movies depicting the legal system at home and learning about the legal system in my 7th grade civics class, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I interned at the district attorney’s office in my hometown when I was 12. One of the office staff agreed to let me be his personal intern. In exchange for literacy, filing, and cleaning, I was able to attend a variety of hearings and trials.
Since then, I have incorporated law into most of my activities and internships. Throughout the first cycle, I was able to carry out various internships in a legal framework. I was also able to integrate law into my classes. I am grateful to anyone along my path who took the time to answer my questions, let me do an internship, or explore new ideas.
Creation of Spencer Jane
Why did you create Spencer Jane? Have you always dreamed of starting your own business?
I haven’t always aspired to start my own business. It’s an unexpected adventure in my journey to become a lawyer. Last year, when I started my freshman year at Harvard Law School, I went shopping for a pantsuit for legal interviews. I haven’t found anything that’s comfortable, gives me confidence, and is of good enough quality to last. I was Ubering through Boston and texting my mom asking if this sounded like anything. I texted my friends and asked where they bought their pantsuits. They didn’t have a clear answer and echoed my disdain. It was then that I realized this was a common frustration.
@spencerjanesuits Starting a pantsuit business during a pandemic ##startup ##pantsuit ##spencerjane ##spencerjanesuits
♬ ultimate vibes – morgan hardy//
I created a poll. I was interested to know how much time women spend looking for clothes in anticipation of an interview or a big event. I was going to write an article on the information. However, after seeing the results, I decided to create my own. I wanted a high quality, elegant and comfortable suit. I also wanted to build a community of women chasing their dreams.
What inspired the quarantine collection?
I started working on Spencer Jane in 2019. I had no idea how the world was going to change! In just a few short weeks, apparel manufacturers largely shut down and shifted to producing PPE, remote working became the new norm, and trouser sales plummeted to an all-time low.
Just because we’re all staying home doesn’t mean people have stopped working. The nature of work has changed. I wanted to create something meaningful for the professional world as we know it. The common joke is that people wear sweatshirts on the bottom and professional clothes on the top for business meetings! This is more than a joke, this is what the majority of people (and me) actually do. It was my inspiration! I focused on designing the ultimate work-from-home blazer, sweatpants, and goggle. The blazer is comfortable, high quality and machine washable. It’s perfect for a Zoom meeting but can easily come back to the office. This is the perfect collection for 2021.
Check out the quarantine collection here.
Logan’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs? How would you recommend handling setbacks?
Enjoy the process but be prepared for challenges, failures and rejections! Many people told me to quit, change lanes, or explicitly tell me I would fail. It’s important to remember that you know yourself and your idea better than the outside world. Trust yourself and believe in yourself through all the outside noises.
See this post on Instagram
I also don’t think failure is something to be feared. Taking risks and pursuing something new always creates an opportunity for failure. Look at almost any successful person and you will also see a list of failures. Learning from them and not giving up is the key to success.
Role models
Who is your role model? How have they influenced you?
Growing up, I was blessed with role models in all aspects of my life. My parents were a great example and instilled in me a strong sense of right and wrong. Throughout my life, my mother encouraged me to pursue my dreams and believe in myself. My father is always true to himself and sticks to his beliefs, no matter the situation. They were both the most important role models in my life.
Reconcile work and studies
How do you balance running a business with your studies? Can you find time to relax?
It’s definitely hard! I try to focus on staying productive and limiting my time on social media. Every night before bed, I write down three things to do in the morning before checking my email or social media. It really helps me. I’m still a big fan of to-do lists! I like to play sports and walk! I always take time in the morning. It helps me focus throughout my day. I think it’s the first way to relax.
Managing a Food Instagram
Why did you start a food Instagram? (and how would you rate your own cooking skills?)
I love food and trying new restaurants! I would say I am a great food photographer but not the best chef. When I was a student, one of my hobbies was trying new restaurants in Nashville. I frequently post pictures on my personal Snapchat. I decided to start my own food Instagram after a friend commented on how often I post. It grew throughout undergraduate and then really flourished when I moved to London after undergraduate. The account has taken a back seat since I started law school. However, it remains a hobby that I enjoy.
See this post on Instagram
In the future
What are your goals for the future? What do you hope to achieve?
I don’t have too many specific goals! I want to continue to pursue my dreams and create a life that brings me joy. In the near future, I hope Spencer Jane can transform into a community of women supporting women who pursue their dreams. I have lots of ideas to improve the professional world.
Follow Logan’s news
Thanks for the interview Logan! Don’t forget to check Spencer Jane’s website, to see the brand new ‘Quarantine Collection’! You can also follow Logan and Spencer Jane’s journey @spencerjanesuits on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
