RUND MOHAMMED (BY RUND)

Like many others, Rund Mohammed, owner of ‘by rund’, started her business while stuck at home during quarantine. Characterized by bold colors and their fuzzy exteriors, by rund’s tote bags are all designed and handmade by Rund herself. As a student of global liberal studies at NYU, the designer started her brand as a way to keep busy and explore her passions during a trying time. Entirely self-taught, Rund’s brand stands apart from others because of the passion she has for what she creates. Describing her business as “a tiny little shop on Depop,” Rund views by rund as a platform to expand and share her hobbies with fellow fashion lovers.

While running her business, Rund was able to discover her love for the design process. Being able to direct photoshoots, design collections and interact with customers gave her the outlet to break out of her shell. Selfdescribed as relatively shy and introverted, Rund says the most inspiring part of the process is being able to see customers wear and enjoy her designs. She says “Seeing my bags come alive and come to full completion at the end of the sewing process is always the best feeling ever!”

Rund considers herself an untraditional business owner as she lacks a conventional background in business and design. However, she accommodates for this lack of experience in the time and dedication that she pours into by rund. Even between a heavy school load and a part time job, she manages to dedicate a large portion of her time hand making each order that she gets, ensuring that each customer receives a high quality product. When describing her experience with customer satisfaction

Rund says, “I’ve never really had any negative experiences with someone not liking a bag or a bag being faulty, but as a brand owner that’s obviously one of our biggest fears. My bags are handmade at the end of the day, so I need to put a lot of work and focus into making sure they’re top-notch!”

In the future, Rund hopes to expand her brand to include a larger range of products. While the brand will still continue to carry its signature tote bags, by rund may soon carry new lines of skirts and tops made in a diverse range of materials. When it comes to growth the designer says “...even though I’d love for my brand to be more well known in the future, I’m also not upset about where it’s at right now. I think it makes the interactions I have with my customers and people who engage with my platform even more personal and real.”