The Brains Behind the Bag
Hey Fam,
It's been a minute since we talked last so we wanted to pop in to say "hi." We've been working day and night on Xen and we are so excited for you to see, hear, and FEEL the future of backpack technology. To keep you updated on our process as we build this product and company, we are starting with the team – Chaun Michael, Gabe, Kevin, and Rachel. Though we see Xen as an entity much bigger than us, we thought it was still important to properly introduce ourselves and our roles.
Chaun Michael (Co-Founder)
Chaun Michael is a co-founder of XEN. He originally came up with the idea just as a better solution for a backpack that helps the user wear the bag properly. In his childhood, he experienced back pain and related health issues that stemmed from carrying backpacks and bags that were too heavy for him. Since then, health has become very important for Chaun Michael as he continues to modify his diet and his fitness regimens. With a background in mathematics, operations, and engineering from Columbia University in addition to self-taught videography, he brings a diverse perspective to his leadership role, enabling the company to focus on what's important. His mantra is, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." — Steve Jobs
Gabe DeSanti (Co-Founder - Marketing & Social Media)
Gabe is a photographer and filmmaker based in New York City. In the past 3 years, he has traveled all around the world creating content and visual experiences for personal projects as well as for brands such as Redbull, Samsung, Timex, and more. He originally started working collaboratively with the team in 2018, giving feedback and sharing insights about his own backpack usage. Then in 2019, he became an official member of the team. Now leading marketing and content at Xen, he is excited to take his learnings from other brands and put it to use in a product of his own. "I have no doubt that with this team AND product will change not only the way brands interact with their community but the future of technology too".
Kevin Jiang (Co-Founder - Engineering)
Kevin is a current Electrical Engineering student at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. His passion for wearable hardware and their applications for personal health is what excites him about engineering the XEN backpack. Over the past year, Kevin has used his time outside of school to turn the team's concepts into several real prototypes. Having also developed embedded firmware for a smart headlamp, he is confident and determined to create a backpack like no other. "When we started, our backpack was going to protect spinal health and include some smart features. I loved that, but our team's vision for the future of technology and humanity has made me realize that our backpack could be so much more."
Rachel Morgan (Creative Director)
Rachel is a designer and art director based in New York City. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA in Communications Design and a minor in Psychology. Currently working as a designer on the New Business team at the advertising agency McCann, she loves the intensity of a new business pitch. Continued growth is the driving force that leads her to consistently seek out new experiences and inspirations. Having joined the Xen team in 2020, she was initially brought on to build the brand before becoming a permanent addition to the team and their only source of estrogen. “Building a brand from the ground up is not easy. It’s actually really fucking hard. But when you have a group of people as talented and unwilling to fail as this group is, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ you succeed.”
We're so excited that you have decided to embark on this backpack journey with us!
Find yours,
The Xen Squad.
Chaun Michael is a co-founder of XEN. He originally came up with the idea just as a better solution for a backpack that helps the user wear the bag properly. In his childhood, he experienced back pain and related health issues that stemmed from carrying backpacks and bags that were too heavy for him. Since then, health has become very important for Chaun Michael as he continues to modify his diet and his fitness regimens. With a background in mathematics, operations, and engineering from Columbia University in addition to self-taught videography, he brings a diverse perspective to his leadership role, enabling the company to focus on what's important. His mantra is, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." — Steve Jobs
Gabe DeSanti (Co-Founder - Marketing & Social Media)
Gabe is a photographer and filmmaker based in New York City. In the past 3 years, he has traveled all around the world creating content and visual experiences for personal projects as well as for brands such as Redbull, Samsung, Timex, and more. He originally started working collaboratively with the team in 2018, giving feedback and sharing insights about his own backpack usage. Then in 2019, he became an official member of the team. Now leading marketing and content at Xen, he is excited to take his learnings from other brands and put it to use in a product of his own. "I have no doubt that with this team AND product will change not only the way brands interact with their community but the future of technology too".
Kevin Jiang (Co-Founder - Engineering)
Kevin is a current Electrical Engineering student at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. His passion for wearable hardware and their applications for personal health is what excites him about engineering the XEN backpack. Over the past year, Kevin has used his time outside of school to turn the team's concepts into several real prototypes. Having also developed embedded firmware for a smart headlamp, he is confident and determined to create a backpack like no other. "When we started, our backpack was going to protect spinal health and include some smart features. I loved that, but our team's vision for the future of technology and humanity has made me realize that our backpack could be so much more."
Rachel Morgan (Creative Director)
Rachel is a designer and art director based in New York City. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA in Communications Design and a minor in Psychology. Currently working as a designer on the New Business team at the advertising agency McCann, she loves the intensity of a new business pitch. Continued growth is the driving force that leads her to consistently seek out new experiences and inspirations. Having joined the Xen team in 2020, she was initially brought on to build the brand before becoming a permanent addition to the team and their only source of estrogen. “Building a brand from the ground up is not easy. It’s actually really fucking hard. But when you have a group of people as talented and unwilling to fail as this group is, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ you succeed.”
We're so excited that you have decided to embark on this backpack journey with us!
Find yours,
The Xen Squad.