Eyewear designer Shane Baum launched Leisure Society to offer eyewear that embodies the ideal of enjoying intimate moments of absolute leisure. Seeking to create heirloom pieces, he is known for creating eyewear out of the most luxurious of materials, while employing the perfect combination of technology and handmade craftsmanship.
As a part of a series highlighting the Members of the edCFDA (Eyewear Designers of the CFDA), we asked Shane 25 all-important questions.
Where were you born/where did you grow up?
I was born in Des Moines, Iowa and grew up about two hours north in a city with a population of 2,500 called Belmond.
What was your favorite activity as a child?
Racing snowmobiles.
What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
DEVO records.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Fly a plane.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I use “awesome” too much and have a bit of surfer hangover where I catch myself saying phrases like “that stokes me” or calling everyone “dude.”
What is your greatest fear?
Dying.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Polo ponies.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Brechin Castle, Northern Scotland.
What is your most treasured possession?
An antique Spanish side by side shotgun that I inherited from my uncle Robert, who never had the chance to meet. He died coming home from the war.
What is your most marked characteristic?
The ability to have intense focus in the midst of chaos. Some call it being aloof…
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What do you most value in your friends?
Intellect, Complexity, Kindness, and Humor.
What is your favorite color?
Blue.
What are you most grateful for?
My parents, wife and children. My family.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Complaining about a problem without proposing a solution is called whining.” – Theodore Roosevelt
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
I hate carrying the Christmas tree from the top of the car to the house…really prickly, awkward and unpleasant.
What would you name the autobiography of your life?
No Thrills for the Cautious
What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?
Don’t worry – Bob Marley; Passenger Seat – Deathcab for Cutie; Naked as We Came – Iron and Wine
If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
80?… I’ll let you know when I get there.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Burying my grandpa and a few close friends.
Do you have a favorite restaurant?
Polo Bar in New York City. I enjoy playing polo, admire Ralph and the food is exceptional.
What was the best gift you ever received?
A 1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior Guitar.
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
Play polo and fly fish in Argentina. Climb K2.
When was the last time you were nervous?
This morning when I woke up. Being a designer/entrepreneur is not for the weak of heart…
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being kind to nearly every person I’ve ever met.
What is your “personal motto”?
Own your truth.
