About Us

Zebra Industries was born from an uncommon intersection: the precision of financial technology, the vision of entrepreneurial innovation, and a deep appreciation for objects that tell stories. But its roots go much deeper—to a childhood shaped by resourcefulness, a father's love, and a multi-generational legacy of service.

I'm Cynthia Garland—FinTech executive, AI innovator, self-taught developer, philanthropist, and the founder behind Zebra Industries' curated collection of luxury home fragrance, rare mineral specimens, and vintage décor. My path here has been anything but conventional.

A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

I've been working since I was 14 years old. Growing up between Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, and eventually Mississippi, I learned early that love doesn't require abundance—it requires presence, purpose, and perseverance.

My father was a proud Marine. My mother, a native Filipino, married him in the 1970s when interracial marriages in the South were far from common. They divorced early, and money was tight, but what we lacked in material wealth, we made up for in values: faith in Jesus, respect for others, and an unshakeable work ethic.

Service runs deep in my family. My grandfather served as a Navy Seabee. My father-in-law served in both the Marine Corps and Army. Today, I share a blended household with my husband, a retired Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army who continues to serve our country through his work with the federal government. Our second-oldest son proudly serves in the Mississippi Army National Guard, continuing a tradition that spans generations and all branches of the military.

Our college students participated in AFJROTC, learning the same values of discipline, leadership, and service that have shaped our family for decades. Together, we've built a life centered on service, family, and purpose—raising five children, celebrating two grandchildren, and sharing our home with three German Shepherds.

My father taught me that if something breaks, you don't throw it away—you fix it. If you want something done right, you do it yourself. That philosophy shaped everything: I can rebuild an engine in the morning, pour candles in the afternoon, and develop a full data analysis system in between.

At 16, I took ground school at Eglin Air Force Base and later pursued courses at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Though I never completed my pilot's license, I remain an avid aviation enthusiast—a passion that reflects my love of exploration, precision, and seeing the world from new perspectives.

EnZebra®, one of the brands under Zebra Industries, is dedicated to my father's memory—a tribute to a man who loved fiercely, served honorably, and taught me that true luxury isn't about excess. It's about craftsmanship, intention, and things made to last.

From Capital Markets to Creative Curation

With over 25 years leading high-performance teams in mortgage banking, capital markets, and federal loan programs, I've built a career on data-driven decision-making, regulatory mastery, and strategic vision. I've partnered with C-suite executives, federal agencies, and institutional investors—managing everything from SEC-compliant mortgage securitizations to the unprecedented COVID-19 EIDL program at the U.S. Small Business Administration, where I oversaw processing for over 7 million emergency loan applications.

I've been recognized as one of Mississippi's Leaders in Finance and Top 50 Leading Businesswomen, demonstrating a career-long commitment to driving positive outcomes and organizational success.

Building Multiple Ventures: From Consulting to Curation

In 2019, I founded CG Marketing Group, LLC—a consulting and business management firm that continues to serve clients today. This venture laid the groundwork for what would become Zebra Industries in 2023.

Zebra Industries is a multi-industry enterprise that bridges my expertise in AI-driven automation with my passion for beautifully crafted, meaningful objects. At its core is ZebraOps, a proprietary AI-powered business automation platform I developed—teaching myself to code to bring this vision to life—to streamline workflows and operations for modern businesses.

Alongside this technology division, I've built a luxury goods portfolio that reflects a different kind of precision: the curation of home fragrance that transforms spaces, mineral specimens that capture geological wonder, and vintage décor pieces with provenance and soul. Each brand under Zebra Industries shares a commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and quiet luxury.

Advocacy, Resilience, and Purpose

Beyond business, I'm driven by purpose. As a medical research advocate—particularly in EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and rare disease research—I've learned firsthand the power of resilience and the importance of using your voice for others. Navigating neurodivergence (Asperger's and ADHD) while managing my family's health challenges has shaped how I see the world: with pattern recognition, deep focus, and an ability to find innovative solutions where others see obstacles.

I continually overcome adversities and advocate fiercely for my family and community. I believe that our differences are our strengths, that education takes many forms, and that we need people of all skills and backgrounds to build a better world.

As an Amazon influencer and content creator, I share insights on products, design, and the intersection of innovation and everyday life. I believe in building businesses that don't just generate profit, but create meaning—whether that's through technology that empowers teams, objects that elevate homes, or advocacy that changes lives.

Giving Back: The Garland Family Trust

Zebra Industries is more than a business—it's an extension of our family's belief that success is measured by impact. Through the Garland Family Trust, we direct a portion of our proceeds to causes that reflect our values: medical research, veteran support, animal welfare, and global compassion.

Medical Research & Rare Disease Advocacy
We support organizations advancing research and care for conditions that have touched our family and community, including the Ehlers-Danlos Society, Marfan Foundation, National Kidney Foundation, and Lung Cancer Research Foundation.

Honoring Those Who Serve
In tribute to the generations of service members in our family, we contribute to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, and Tunnel to Towers Foundation—organizations that provide critical support to veterans and first responders.

Animal Welfare & Conservation
Our love for animals—especially our three German Shepherds—extends to our support of German Shepherd Rescue, Elephant Sanctuary Network, and European Animal Rescue Partners.

Global Compassion
Through our partnership with Compassion International, we help provide education, healthcare, and hope to children around the world.

When you choose Zebra Industries, you're not just investing in luxury—you're joining a legacy of giving.

A Different Kind of Luxury

Zebra Industries isn't about excess. It's about intention. Every piece in our collection—whether a hand-poured candle, a rare mineral formation, or a vintage find—has been chosen for its story, its craft, and its ability to bring beauty into the everyday.

This is luxury rooted in authenticity, innovation grounded in experience, and curation informed by a lifetime of learning what truly matters—lessons that began in a modest home with a Marine father who taught me that the best things in life are the ones you build yourself.

Welcome to Zebra Industries. I'm glad you're here.

— Cynthia Garland
Founder & CEO, Zebra Industries, LLC
Founder, CG Marketing Group, LLC