Me back in 2011 at Cerato boutique (a great Chicago boutique, closed 2014)
I ask myself that question all the time! maybe we all do?!?!
I just can’t believe it’s been 10 years considering that I officially started this service and nearly 20 considering that I started the process (well considering that making my first handbag by scratch). yes I was interested in fashion when I was in high school, but never really seriously thought I’d work a day in fashion!
But it was ideal after 9/11 and I couldn’t find a job and so a friend suggested I try and sell my handbags! I had been making them for fun and for gifts and so I thought why not try and make some cash. So I had my first “handbag party” in December of 2001 just to pay the rent, but something just clicked. Or maybe it’s my stubbornness, when my daddy said I was crazy to try and start my own business.
Either way, I was hooked!
I’ve come a long way considering that those days. I’d actually say the service was a lot more like three stages of development:
1) Those early days of hand cutting in my small 1 bedroom apt in LA and doing mostly custom-made fabric handbag orders from parties
2) working with my first production team in 2006, as I developed my upgraded designs and focused on wholesale accounts
3) Refocusing on the overall brand and direct to consumer selling in 2019
For stage Two: I always wanted to be in stores, not department stores, but the small boutiques. I really felt like they were a lot more me because I had no interested in mass producing overseas. and really at the end of the day, that’s what they sell. and all the small boutiques I worked with were awesome. I became friends with all the owners and it genuinely was a great experience. I loved working with Randi at Randoons in Winnetka and Victoria in Elmhurst, Patty & Laura (Fixture), Bethany (Comfort Me), Vanessa (Spare Parts), David (Hazel), Haley (Milk), Michael (Florodora), Jaime (Stumble & Relish), and lots of many a lot more over the years.
However, I realized after about 8 years of really focusing on wholesale that I wasn’t focusing on the small details or expanding my brand, but just turning over new color collections every “season.” I wasn’t taking the time to really develop new styles like I wanted or create a complete brand. then my online customers were overwhelmed in any way the color choices! Whewww.
Of course, it was sad walking away from that, but I’m still FB friends with my buyers and I love promoting them just as much as when they carried my collection. and vice versa I hope
Then came 2020, Covid-19 and no events, UGH! Without our big show for the season, the holiday one of a Kind Show, I will admit, it’s been very tough. Not like it hasn’t for everyone, but because the service is all me besides my production team, I’ve had a lot on my plate. I will say I do take pleasure in making the graphics, taking photos and being creative.
I literally walk around my place trying to find new photo opportunities. and I started getting things at Target as props. AND I didn’t let the pandemic keep me from making my new leather goods this year. and I am incredibly ecstatic to continue to grow this service and step to the next level in 2021.
So Are you ready to join Me?
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