Moving Forward into the Future
I've had lots of plans and dreams for this small business of mine over the years. In case you didn't know, I wasn't a Fashion Design or Business major at SDSU. Everything I know is from scratch, tons of research BUT mostly lots and lots of trial and error.
One of the first things I've focused on was transitioning our entire collection to upgraded hardware and new premium zippers in 2022! Although there was nothing wrong with our old materials, I just wanted ALL of our raw materials to reflect the quality of leather and craftsmanship you have become accustom to from us! I tell you though, it was a long arduous process for sure! But so very worth it! I mean look at that beautiful hardware.
One of the first things I've focused on was transitioning our entire collection to upgraded hardware and new premium zippers in 2022! Although there was nothing wrong with our old materials, I just wanted ALL of our raw materials to reflect the quality of leather and craftsmanship you have become accustom to from us! I tell you though, it was a long arduous process for sure! But so very worth it! I mean look at that beautiful hardware.
From customer feedback to my own observations, I feel like it was the natural progression of the business. The hardest thing to translate, in doing all of this, was timing. We are not a big corporation, so we design and handcraft everything locally in small batches. Although we don't make thousands of bags at a time in a Chinese factory, we still have minimums we need to hit to keep labor pricing as low as possible. Since we don't have corporate budgets or a warehouse to make everything we want at the same time, restocking best sellers can take longer than mass-production.
As we MOVE FORWARD INTO THE FUTURE, I would love to eventually bring everything to my own personal in-house facility where you can actually see your bags being designed and made. This has been a dream of mine for quite a while, but right now it's just not financially possible. With the ups and downs of the economy over the last fifteen years, stopping boutique wholesale orders in 2018 and after Covid I stopped outdoor art fairs to focus all my efforts on our website and my one big in-person show of the year, the Holiday One of a Kind Show in Chicago.
And this year, I am focusing on the growth of the business. I have loved working with interns in the past, but I need to focus on finding like minded individuals that want to grow with the business. Covid taught me that I can hire a virtual staff, something I never dreamed would work in the past. But I am not outsourcing to India, I want a local team that can still come into the office once or twice a month, help create content, help produce events and really create a team environment. This is still in the works, starting with local freelance support.
A few years ago, I signed up for a course by Kris Plachy (a college sorority sister of mine) and I was super excited to get started! What it taught me was I still needed to focus on my development as well as the brands. I got one step ahead of myself. So at the end of 2025, I started working with a team out of Australia that has really helped me focus on the website, ads and so much more. I needed to understand how it all worked together before hiring outside of freelancers that work on a project basis.
I have been talking about launching a unisex sling bag for a few years now. The first few prototypes just didn't speak to me. So I put it on pause, one, to think out it more and two, to make sure it was still aligned with the vision of the brand...to make timeless classic styles that you won't say in 10 years what was I thinking. I never want your bag to date your look. I have never been about the "IT" bag. To me that meant it was a fad not a classic. Besides all the other mass-produced issues I have with them.
EXCITING NEWS UPDATE:
The Sling is Officially Coming This December!
Sorry it took a while! Over the last year, restocks were taking longer than I wanted, so we had to do something. I started by streamlining our offerings. Yes, that meant letting go of some amazing pieces. But this allowed me to take my time, go back to the drawing board, and finally have a sample I am super proud of. It stays true to everything above: timeless, functional, and definitely not an "IT" bag...just a great grab-and-go sling that doesn't look like a fanny pack. I'm an 80s girl, but it needed a modern touch. I just hope men like it too. What do you think?
It launches this December, and I can't wait to share more. Keep an eye on your inbox!
3 comments
This blog makes me smile so much ! What a wonderful time to do this! I’ve only known you a few short years , via purchasing bags. I can honestly say how proud I am of you, your attitude, your business ethic, knowledge, and everything in between. It’s a joy learning and listening! Looking forward to the amazing journey you have planned for yourself and business. Excited to see it catapult BC Handbags into an even more successful future . Best wishes always ❤️
This blog makes me smile so much ! What a wonderful time to do this! I’ve only known you a few short years , via purchasing bags. I can honestly say how proud I am of you, your attitude, your business ethic, knowledge, and everything in between. It’s a joy learning and listening! Looking forward to the amazing journey you have planned for yourself and business. Excited to see it catapult BC Handbags into an even more successful future . Best wishes always ❤️
You go, girl! What a wonderful thoughtful meaningful message! You are sumthin’ else! 💕😍