Meet Debra Baum

We were lucky to catch up with Debra Baum recently and have shared our conversation below.

Debra, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my purpose has been a journey of exploration and growth through creativity, design, and entrepreneurship. It all began in the fast-paced world of marketing, where I secured an Assistant Account Executive position straight out of college. Despite this promising start, I felt a deep yearning for something more aligned with my passion for creativity and authenticity.

Determined to forge my own path, I took a bold step and founded Urbane Invitations while working as a waitress to support myself. My goal was to create one-of-a-kind, high-end custom invitations with meticulous attention to detail and exceptional customer service. My aim was to attract prestigious clients like the Four Seasons and Peninsula hotels, and I successfully achieved that, distinguishing Urbane Invitations in the industry.

After getting married, I saw a gap in the market for unique wedding accessories in Chicago and seized the opportunity to launch Urbane Weddings. This boutique offered distinctive, fashion-forward bridal accessories, including vintage jewelry and veils, catering to brides who wanted to stand out with accessories that truly represented their individuality. To complement this, I also offered my custom invitations from Urbane Invitations in the store, creating a cohesive experience for clients seeking something extraordinary.

In the early 2000s, I paused my business ventures to focus on starting a family but continued nurturing my passion for vintage jewelry through Urbane Flea. Simultaneously, my husband Robby and I ventured into real estate, transforming properties in Chicago and founding Bedderman Lodging in 2012.

As Bedderman Lodging grew, I applied my design expertise to create inviting lobbies, innovative food and beverage concepts, and unique guest rooms. I also managed staff recruitment and training, infusing my ethos of hospitality into every detail. However, we faced significant challenges when a tornado severely damaged our Nashville hotel in March 2020, followed by the global COVID-19 pandemic. We had to make the tough decision to sell the Nashville property and halt other operations.

During this period of reflection, I found myself at a flea market, my sanctuary of antique treasures. It was there that I discovered a vintage military jacket that had been a staple in my wardrobe. This moment sparked the idea for 74 the Jacket. Drawing on my experience and passion, I realized this was my true calling—a fusion of old and new, blending vintage charm with modern fashion to offer unique pieces for the fashion-forward customer.

My journey is a testament to resilience and creativity. Through challenges and triumphs, I’ve embraced my authentic self and created a brand that merges classic elegance with contemporary style, catering to those who appreciate a modern twist on timeless fashion.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

74 the Jacket was born from a cherished 1940s US military jacket adorned with a vintage fur collar and brooch that I wore for years. Design, fashion, and business have always been my passions, but it wasn’t until I stumbled upon another perfect jacket that inspiration struck. Encouraged by my sister and cousin’s enthusiasm, I knew I had to create these unique pieces.

Using my vintage jewelry connections, I sourced jackets, fur collars, and brooches, perfecting the design through trial and error. Naming the brand after my birth year, 1974, felt right—it symbolized my journey and growth.

My friends and family loved the jackets, and a high-end boutique in Chicago eagerly snapped them up. Encouraged by my husband, I showcased 74 the Jacket at a prestigious NYC trade show, not realizing the selective nature of these events. Amazingly, I was accepted and featured alongside brands like Mackage and Mooseknuckles.

The three-day show, coinciding with my 50th birthday, was a whirlwind. By the end, I had secured orders from ten stores nationwide and garnered interest from Free People. To meet their demand for faux fur, I needed to scale production.

A serendipitous meeting with an expert in luxury fashion manufacturing revealed the potential for expanding my collection. She introduced me to resources that helped turn my designs into reality. This partnership not only enabled the production of faux fur collars but also paved the way for a new line of vintage-inspired jackets made with modern fabrics and designs.

Now, 74 the Jacket includes two distinct collections:

74 One-of-a-Kind Vintage Collection: Each jacket is a genuine WWII US Army original, curated with its original patches, pins, and other accoutrements intact. These pieces are enhanced with a vintage fur collar and brooch, authenticated by a hand-sewn ‘74’ at the hem. This collection includes military jackets and Letterman sweaters, with new pieces added each year.

74 Revival Collection: This collection celebrates our favorite vintage discoveries. Each piece is recreated with exact patterns sourced from vintage jackets, paired with custom fabrics, vintage fur collars, and brooches, embodying our brand’s distinctive style.

Every day, I find inspiration in traveling, reading, and shopping, always on the lookout for the next vintage piece to transform. This quest for unique treasures is the most fun part of what I do, fueling my creativity and passion for 74 the Jacket.

Looking back, every step of my journey—successes and failures alike—prepared me for this moment. 74 the Jacket embodies the fusion of vintage charm and modern elegance, bringing timeless style to those who appreciate unique, standout pieces.

I have two upcoming trunk shows:
Coco Goose in Manchester, Vermont Labor Day weekend
Bluebird in Big Sky, Montana December TBD

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Be Kind. Listen. Be Original.

BE KIND & LISTEN.
I’ve always been attuned to the presence of others, not just in passing, but as individuals with their own stories. I believe in the power of a smile and a simple “hello,” whether I’m ordering coffee, dining out, or visiting the doctor. Whether someone is fixing a pipe in my home or working alongside me in a professional setting, I strive to treat everyone with respect and kindness. You never know what someone is going through—take the time to ask about them and truly listen. Often, you’ll find you have something in common with someone who seems completely different from you, whether it’s their race, religion, or background. There’s a thread that connects all of us.

It might sound cliché, but the art of conversation is crucial. Look people in the eye, ask about their day, and show genuine interest in their lives. Connecting with others through their stories is one of the most rewarding parts of human interaction. Plus, you never know who you might meet that could connect you with others in your field. Embrace those moments of originality and creativity.

Everyone has to start somewhere, and most of the time, it’s at the bottom. Embrace every task, no matter how small it may seem. Ask thoughtful questions, be curious. If you’re an intern, seize every opportunity, even if it means running coffee errands. Be proactive and tackle every task with enthusiasm and positivity, even if it’s organizing the supply closet.

BE ORIGINAL.
For the younger generation: put down your phones and engage with the people around you. While Instagram and TikTok can be entertaining, and I do enjoy scrolling, true entrepreneurs find inspiration in moments of solitude and their surroundings. Block out the noise and be present. By being alone with your thoughts, you never know what magical ideas might pop into your brain—ideas that are uniquely yours and not a copycat of what you see online.

We all fail, get fired, or take jobs we hate, but don’t be discouraged by this. It’s part of life and growing up. If you face setbacks or job losses, take a moment to feel disheartened, but remember: it’s often a stepping stone to where you’re meant to be next. It ALWAYS works itself out—nothing is as bad as it seems.

Follow your passions. What captures your interest on Instagram or TikTok? What do you find yourself reading about? What are your favorite subjects? My career journey—spanning marketing, boutique ownership, vintage jewelry and furniture, hospitality, and more—reflects my unwavering curiosity for design in all its forms. These diverse experiences are interconnected, each contributing to my broader understanding and love of creativity, which has gotten me here.

Last piece of advice: NEVER send a resume without a personal and well-written cover letter that says something about the company you are applying to and something personal about what you want to do and why you want to work there. It shows you’ve done your homework. ALWAYS send a thank you note—email or, preferably, an old-school handwritten and mailed note. I promise you will stand out.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

Focus on your strengths and let them guide your growth. You’ll discover that you’re capable of more than you initially thought, but it’s equally important to acknowledge areas where you may not excel. In the realm of entrepreneurship, this balance is crucial. For instance, I’m passionate about design and fashion, but when it comes to accounting, I’m far from proficient. Recognizing this, I’ve made it a priority to surround myself with experts who complement my skills. My accountant is an invaluable asset, guiding me through spreadsheets, taxes, and financial goals with patience and expertise. Without his support, I’d struggle significantly.

The key is to leverage your strengths to their fullest potential while seeking out individuals who can excel in the areas where you may not be as strong. This approach ensures that you’re not only building on what you do best but also effectively managing and improving the aspects that require a different kind of expertise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://74thejacket.com
• Instagram: @74thejacket.com
• Linkedin: Debra Baum founder of 74 the Jacket & Debra Baum Design

Image Credits

Molly Bloom