Where as some women use the same purse over a long period of time, others will switch out their purse for different reasons. Robin knew what it was like going the process of changing from purse to purse. For those that keep more than a few things on hand, there can be quite a bit to sort through with each purse change.
Through The Mimi Collection, those women who look to change purses often have a way of doing that with an organized insert that goes into purses. Just lift out and change the purse, pretty simple. This is obviously a must have for many women, and an inspiration to those that are business minded.
What is The Mimi Collection and what does it do?
The Mimi Collection is a handbag line of varying styles and colors, that features custom inserts that allow women to easily transfer the contents from one bag to another. In addition to the inserts that are customized for the handbags, the collection features “universal” inserts that can be used in many other medium-to-large size handbags that are already in a woman’s personal collection.
What inspired your creation?
I enjoy changing handbags daily to coordinate with or accent my wardrobe. However, I would get really annoyed when I would look for something and it wasn’t there because I’d left it in a bag that I used the day before. The idea of having a “bag within a bag” came to me and I gave a lot of thought to its features and how I wanted it to fit. The ease of use was important as I didn’t want something that was difficult or complicated to change. And, I really wanted quality materials. All of our handbags are cowhide leather.
How long did it take you to come up with the perfect prototype and how has it changed since the beginning?
It took about five months to come up with a prototype, primarily because I don’t sew and I needed to find someone to actually make it for me! One of my partners in this venture is Vahe Doudaklian, who is well-known in the Washington, D.C. area for his leather work. He is the person who I credit with bringing to life my ideas about the design and functionality of The Mimi Collection. Vahe was able to look at the concept and suggest how to make the insert fit the way that it needed to. We then needed to find the right materials and colors for both the handbags and the inserts. Originally, we planned to use some really wild colors for the inserts but we found that they didn’t look as nice when paired with the handbags so we’re using colors and materials that women like but are a bit more calm.
When will your line of handbags be out? Where will they be sold?
Our plan is to have the handbags available this fall, along with the universal insert which we think will be a really great gift for the holidays. Given the economy, the insert may turn out to be our lead in sales! The Mimi Collection will be available online at www.themimicollection.com and at Posh Couture in Ashburn, VA (www.shopposhboutique.com). In addition, we will have them in other boutiques and gift stores in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and next year hope to expand our reach geographically. We’re based in the Washington area, so our initial market base consists of stores in northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Watch our website for new announcements!
What are some of your long term goals for your business?
We want to continue to develop beautifully designed handbags that women will really like and find easy to use. We just did a custom bag for Jewell Green (wife of pro football great, Darrell Green) and she loved it. We’d also like to have the bags available in major department stores.
What do you like and dislike about being an entrepreneur?
I really like the idea of something that I created and that belongs to my partners and me. I’m very energized by deciding the direction that we should go and the process of coming up with an idea and actually seeing it come to fruition. The other side of this is, because I do still have my “day job”, it’s a challenge to keep up the energy and stay on top of the things that are necessary to make The Mimi Collection successful. We’re busier and busier every day so I’m looking forward to the point where The Mimi Collection can stand on its own.
Is there anything you wish that you could go back in time and change?
There are a few details here and there but overall, I think that we’ve been on the right track. Even “lessons learned” – the things that, in hindsight you think you’d do differently — are important because we actually learn from those experiences. Fortunately, we haven’t made any earth-shattering mistakes yet!
Was there anyone or anything that helped you the most throughout the process of getting your product ready and your business launched? How did it help?
Obviously my partners, Vahe, and Lawrence Allen, who’s been involved in the design of the handbags, were instrumental. I also have had mentors – Laura Lee of Laura Lee Designs, who also designs handbags, has given me excellent advice. I’ve been immersed in fashion-oriented activities that have allowed me to see how things work from the vendor’s perspective so I have a better idea of how to approach buyers with my products. My background is in business and that has given me a great blueprint about developing and launching this product. And, of course, my husband and daughters give me great ideas and feedback. In fact, some of the bags are named after family and friends.
How has being a business owner helped you grow as a person? What have you learned from those experiences?
I’ve learned how to motivate two guys who probably never thought about getting into the handbag design business to help me create these bags, AND to understand why a woman would want to use an insert like ours. I rely on my past experiences to help me manage things better, given that I get to make the choices and decisions.
Do you have any advice for the people reading this who would like to start up a business of their own?
You must do your research and develop a business plan. Surround yourself with people who know what you don’t know; find people who have gone before you who have the right knowledge and are willing to help you as mentors. Talk to people about what you’re doing. It’s amazing the number how many people can either help you or refer you to someone else who would be a great contact. I’ve found that things that I’ve had to do in past jobs – even those things that I really disliked doing – taught me things that I can use to make The Mimi Collection a product line that women will love.
cassy on August 12th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Very nice idea… that features custom inserts that allow women to easily transfer the contents from one bag to another.The inserts that are customized for the handbags, the collection features “universal” inserts that can be used in many other medium-to-large size handbags that are already in a woman’s personal collection.
We can really be sure that we haven’t forgot anything from the other bagb if we have this universal insert.