Biography of Morgan Cros: Founder and CEO of Original Duckhead -Entrepreneur
Biography of Morgan Cros:
Journey Begins with a Broken Umbrella
Morgan Cros, a French-born entrepreneur with a family
background in the arts and business, found herself traveling from Miami to
Paris one December. It was during this journey that an event sparked a
life-changing idea: her New York bodega umbrella collapsed during a storm. The
incident triggered her thoughts on how many umbrellas were discarded each year,
contributing to global waste. This moment of frustration set the stage for what
would become Original Duckhead.
The Influence of Family and Childhood Memories
Growing up in Paris, Morgan was surrounded by creativity and
entrepreneurship. One of her most cherished memories was of her mother’s
handmade umbrella, featuring an intricate duck handle. This childhood memory
remained with her, and upon arriving in London, Morgan felt compelled to revive
the duck-shaped handle design in a modern, eco-friendly way.
Biography of Morgan Cros: Founder and CEO of Original Duckhead-Entrepreneur#create eco-friendly, stylish umbrellas#startup#age#net worth#investor#
A Vision for Sustainability in a Throwaway Industry
Morgan’s experience of watching so many umbrellas get
discarded year after year led her to uncover a critical flaw in the umbrella
industry: over 1 billion non-recyclable umbrellas were being disposed of
globally each year. The lack of sustainability in this everyday product
inspired her to create a solution that could be both functional and
eco-friendly, addressing this environmental issue.
The Birth of Original Duckhead
In January 2012, Morgan launched Original Duckhead with the
vision to transform the umbrella industry. She wanted to change how people
viewed umbrellas, shifting the perception from disposable items to cherished
accessories. Through her efforts, she introduced a product that was stylish,
durable, and sustainable. The umbrellas combined unique design with
eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic and biodegradable handles.
Designing an Iconic Product
Original Duckhead’s umbrellas became known for their
distinctive duck-shaped handles, a nod to Morgan's childhood memories. The
vibrant colors and playful patterns of the umbrellas added personality to rainy
days, while their quality and sustainable production appealed to
environmentally conscious consumers. These products were no longer just about
utility—they were a statement of style and a commitment to the planet.
Craftsmanship Meets Eco-Consciousness
Every umbrella created by Original Duckhead was thoughtfully
crafted to be both functional and sustainable. The company’s innovative design
used nine post-consumer plastic bottles for each canopy, actively reducing
plastic waste in landfills and oceans. This design highlighted the company’s
mission to offer high-quality, long-lasting products that minimized
environmental impact.
A Growing Community of Conscientious Consumers
Original Duckhead quickly grew beyond a brand, becoming a
community of people who cared about sustainability. These customers were not
just buying umbrellas; they were supporting a movement to hold brands
accountable for their environmental impact. This shared commitment to conscious
consumption helped build a loyal customer base that appreciated the company’s
dedication to both quality and sustainability.
A Commitment to Giving Back
In addition to creating eco-friendly products, Original
Duckhead also partnered with 1% For The Planet. This partnership ensured that
every purchase contributed to ecological causes, furthering the company’s
commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. The brand made it
clear that its dedication to sustainability was not just about products but
about giving back to the planet.
Reaching the Streets of London
Twelve years after its launch, Original Duckhead’s umbrellas
had become an instantly recognizable symbol on the streets of London. Morgan
couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude whenever she saw one of her
umbrellas in use. The brand’s success was a testament to the power of
sustainable design and the growing demand for products that had a positive
environmental impact.
Morgan’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Before founding Original Duckhead, Morgan worked with
American Apparel and consulted for multiple brands across Paris, New York, and
London. Her career as a seasoned traveler inspired her to create a product that
was essential for every destination. She wanted an umbrella that combined
quality, functionality, and sustainability in a way that had never been done
before.
Changing the Perception of Umbrellas
Morgan’s mission was clear: to shift the perception of
umbrellas from short-term disposable items to high-quality, fashionable
accessories. Through extensive research, she found that most umbrellas were not
recyclable and ended up in landfills. This realization drove her to create a
premium umbrella brand that would stand out not just for its design but for its
eco-conscious production.
A Legacy Built on Gratitude
Today, Original Duckhead stands as a successful brand that
has not only changed the umbrella industry but also inspired a movement toward
more sustainable consumer goods. For Morgan Cros, the journey from a broken
umbrella to a global brand has been one of personal and professional growth.
She continues to be grateful for the impact her brand has made and for the
community of like-minded consumers who support Original Duckhead’s mission.
Timeline for story
Early 2000s: Morgan grew up in Paris, surrounded by
creativity and entrepreneurship.
December 2011: Umbrella incident in New York sparked the
idea for Original Duckhead.
January 2012: Launched Original Duckhead with a vision to
create eco-friendly, stylish umbrellas.
2012: Introduced umbrellas with duck-shaped handles and
sustainable materials.
2013: Focused on reducing plastic waste with eco-conscious
designs, using recycled plastic for canopies.
2014: Partnered with 1% For The Planet, contributing to
ecological causes with every purchase.
2020: Original Duckhead's umbrellas became popular and
recognizable in London.
2023: Continues to lead the sustainable umbrella movement
with a growing community of conscientious consumers.
