Laura Zambarano is not just any woman, as can be seen by her creative bags and accessories. Laura is a mompreneur who takes a special flair she has for the functional items everyone needs by making her items very fashionable and loved by their owners.
Anyone who has been to her online store, laura z, can see exactly what I am talking about just by looking at the variety she has to offer. Inspired by when she had her own children, she has since turned something she enjoyed into a business she can run from her home.
In a recent interview Laura told me about her business, how she manages as a mompreneur and what got her there.
Win one of Laura’s checkbook covers!
Along with this interview, Laura has been kind enough to offer one of her checkbook covers to be given away to one of our readers! You can see all of the styles on the checkbook page of her website.
If you would like your chance to win one of her checkbook covers, like the one to the right, leave a comment on this post telling me why you would like it. The giveaway will start now and run until May 25th at 11:59pm. On May 26th I will choose a winning comment and the winner will be contacted by email.
What was your inspiration?
My children are what inspired me to create the first bag as I needed something to carry that was going to be useful for holding all of my baby items and my personal items.
From what I’ve seen on your website you offer more than just handbags and totes, what all do you offer? How many different styles?
At this point I make 8 different style bags, 2 being for the new mom. I also offer 4 accessory pieces (the checkbook cover, the pocket wallet, the eyeglass case and the headband) to use on their own or to style with your new laura z bag.
What kinds of patterns do they come in?
In terms of patterns, I choose from many different fabric designers. I always mix and match 2-4 different patterns for each piece that I make.
Which of your products is the most popular?
Hmmmmm… the most popular product… I would say the daily tote is probably the favorite amongst the bags and the checkbook cover amongst the accessories.
How long does it take you to make one handbag on average?
From start to finish (hand cut, hand-sewn and hand inspected)… it can take from ½ hour to 1 ½ hours per piece. It really does depend on the bag or accessory though.
How many steps did you need to take to create your business?
I am not sure that I can answer this question completely because I still feel like I am creating my business. I am always trying to grow and expand. I started off making a product that was enjoyed by many friends and family members, filed the appropriate paper work to be recognized as a business, made some products, went to small trade/art shows, opened a handful of wholesale accounts, found local woman to sew with me, created a website and web-business and am now working on adding more accounts and expanding the business.
Did you receive any advice that has been invaluable to you while starting or while running your business?
Just recently a friend shared her new motto with me, “get behind your self.” I really like this little piece of advice. It really says to me, just get out of your own way and push up your shirt sleeves and just do it… get the work done… don’t just dream about it… make it happen.
What past experience or education have you been able to apply to your business?
I have a BA degree with a major in Spanish, a minor in Art and my teaching license. I have used a lot of what I learned in school and in the classroom as a teacher in my business. The number one thing… there is a learning curve for everything that we do. Some things come more naturally than others.
As a parent, how have you been able to take that experience and turn it into something you can apply to business?
Oh yes. Time management is a big mom and business piece. The two go hand in hand.
How do you manage your time between being a mom and running your business?
Now that my 2 children are both in elementary school I have a little bit more time during the day, but I find it VERY hard not to be in their school volunteering for one thing or another. It always goes back to that time management piece. You have to prioritize your time and when are where you are going to do what. Not always as easy as it sounds.
Do you have any advice for other mom’s who would like to start their own business?
Go for it! Check out what other people are doing. Ask questions. Take notes and just do it. You can never know success with out even ever trying. Or, as my husband keeps on telling me, “you have to play if you want to be in the game.”
Bigzeal on May 15th, 2008 at 10:53 am
I like that “a mompreneur”
Tuni & G on May 15th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I can totally relate to what she says. Congratulations to her.