Meet Casey Rogers | Entrepreneur and Social Impact Leader

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

Hi Casey, how do you think about risk?
That feeling of butterflies in my stomach or a lump in my throat before talking usually means I’m on to something good because there’s enough risk involved that I’m nervous but it’s a calculated risk where the purpose is worth the potential for failure or coming up short.

I’m not someone to do risky things just for the sake of being risky. I’m willing to do risky things (or things that are perceived as risky) because of my passion for the cause. And, I’ve also done things to mitigate risks in the early stages–market research and bringing together a smart team, for example.

I think risks are always seen as less risky as life goes on and you have hindsight. You know that question of what do you wish you could tell your younger self based on what you know now? Take more risks. So with that advice in mind, I am a proponent of taking more risks now and putting ourselves out there for an idea you care about.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve started several ventures and they each have a different origin story but the common element is that it starts with vision. It starts with a dream, an idea that the founder has a passion for.

In the case of INZU Designs, a home decor brand I launched earlier this year, this was a dream I’d been thinking about for several years–to bring beautiful artisan-made home furnishings from Rwanda to the United States market. The idea was born when I was working with MASS Design Group in Rwanda to furnish the Ellen Campus of the Fossey Fund. All the furnishings for the 12 acre campus were produced by artisans in Rwanda. I loved the design and wanted a wide audience to see and experience and ultimately enjoy these elegant pieces in their home.

The dream of INZU Designs became reality when I teamed up with two friends who shared the vision and brought complementary skills. Together, we were able to bring INZU Designs to life.

At INZU Designs, a percentage of our profits is returned directly to the artisan cooperatives we work with in Rwanda through small business microloans. These loans are designed to help makers invest in their craft, grow their livelihoods, and build long-term financial resilience.

Beyond financial reinvestment, INZU is rooted in a deeper commitment: to illuminate Rwanda’s inspiring spirit and preserve centuries of tradition, mastery, and cultural heritage. Our shared vision is to create global pathways for these artisans—connecting their work with new markets and customers, while honoring the community, story, and care behind each handcrafted piece. Through this model, we aim to sustain craft and build enduring relationships between makers and buyers that are rooted in dignity, creativity, and shared purpose.

I believe more and more that nothing is easy. There can be serendipity and moments of good fortune but to bring an idea or business to fruition is a long endeavor requiring hard work. Without a doubt there have been challenges–some expected and others unexpected. When INZU placed our first order for a container-full of furniture, the road to the workshop had to be widened so the truck and container could reach the workshop to load all the items. Since our products are all organic, fiber-based items, we had to reduce moisture in the containers and purchase moisture absorbing bags. None could be sourced in Rwanda or neighboring countries so the product was finally sourced in Kenya. More recently, tariffs have had to be taken into account with our financial forecasts.

I think for me, the most important factor behind success is my passion and belief that something more is possible, something that has more value, more connectivity and heart, and more of a positive impact on the world. That’s the energy to push through the challenge. It’s not about the challenge, it’s about your response to the challenge.
I continue to believe that’s possible, and that people, in fact, want that, through INZU and the purchases they make. I think we all have a deep desire to be better, to do better, and that belief has really fueled and energized me, my ideas, and given me the propulsion to keep pushing it all forward.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If they’re visiting LA, I highly recommend a day trip to Santa Barbara. We would start by picking up breakfast from Oat Bakery and taking it to the beach for a walk at Butterfly Beach. Afterward we’d drive to the marina to grab a coffee at Dart and walk around seeing all the boats before proceeding to Stern’s Wharf. If you’re really feeling adventurous while you’re in the harbor, rent a paddle board and cruise around the harbor. From there we’d head up State Street to window shop. We would stop for lunch at The Daisy to re-fuel before heading to the botanical gardens. We’d have dinner at Bibi Ji’s and watch the sunset from the Rose Garden at the Mission. We would end the night with drinks at The Good Lion.

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?
In our American culture, there’s this idea that being self-made is real, and sometimes institutions or media hold people up as if they alone did this thing or that thing. But I think it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Yes, leaders have vision, they have energy, they have the tenacity to push something forward, but it always requires others to support that leader in their endeavors.

I met a dear mentor of mine, Janis Minton, 20 years ago and she remains a supporter and advisor to this day. She saw my potential when I was young in my career, invited me to join her to grow her business and has been an ongoing cheerleader as my career evolved. I never take for granted the time Janis or other mentors have offered me because it is a gift.

Website: https://inzudesigns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inzudesigns?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-rogers/

Image Credits
Danielle Rubi – Portrait_Casey Rogers_2024
Danielle Rubi – IMG_6281.heic – Google IMG_3430 (1).jpgDrive
IMG_2709.JPG – Google Drive – Aaron Pinkston
Slater Herman – inzu-chair-rhithm-chair-basket-design3-lifestyle-1-6.jpg