Meet Leo Rod | Entrepreneur & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leo Rod and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leo, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I first became inspired about starting a business when my wife and I adopted our two rescues, Eros and Luna. We noticed that whenever we dressed them with a sweater or a simple bandana, they would sit still and their tails would wag even more than usual. I didn’t know anything about sewing, but I wondered I could just learn. After getting furloughed at the beginning of the pandemic, I bought a sewing machine, watched a few tutorials, and literally started making bandanas for them. Meanwhile, my wife, began making paw balms to help relieve the dryness of their paws, and together we brainstormed about business ideas. Although we just opened in September 2020, we have a vision to incorporate up-cycled fabrics and make our products more sustainable– we already consider eco-friendly processed fabrics. A portion of our sales goes to help shelters and rescues. We got the best gift from them and this is our way to give back and support other pups and animals in need.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think that something that sets me apart from others is that I’m very meticulous. Having experience as a photographer and filmmaker has allowed me to sharpen my eye, so I bring that to Eros and Lu. We are very proud that people have noticed the attention to detail and the special touches we incorporate into the product, but even in the packaging. Everything we do is part of our whole journey, that thing that perhaps we did a decade ago comes to full circle when we realize that it’s a skill that comes in handy now. The people who come into our lives have a purpose, sometimes I find myself quoting family, friends, classmates, and teachers and realize that I may have not gotten what they meant back then, but years later those lessons are fully present. I want Eros and Lu to symbolize the love we have for our pets, for the planet, and for all animals in general. There are so many animals in need and if we all do our part, we could save many lives and your home will be filled with joy an unconditional love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love taking day trips from Los Angeles. One of my favorite places to drive to is Santa Barbara, but I choose to take the long road and drive through the Pacific Coast Highway as long as possible to see the ocean. `We usually stop in Oxnard for berries if they are in season, then sometimes in Summerland at The Sacred Space, a magical place filled with trees, fountains, and treasures. Once in Santa Barbara, there are many options, but we love going to Sunstone winery, enjoying a picnic and having some delicious wine. As for food, you can’t go wrong with the Santa Barbara Public Market, there are option for everyone, but the tacos at Corazon are some of the best ones I have ever had.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom, Miriam Rodriguez. She has given me some great advice to get better with my product. Over the phone, she has taken the time to guide me about using the machine and even troubleshooting it whenever I get stuck. The best part is that she got inspired to begin making and selling face masks and rediscovered her love for sewing all over again.

Website: erosandlu.com
Instagram: @erosandlu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErosandLu

Image Credits
Leo Rod