September 5, 2013

Featured Vendor ~ Ella Winston

We have been LOVING what we are seeing over at Ella Winston!  Formerly known as Bag Secrets, this amazing little company creates gorgeous, hand crafted, custom clutches for any event.  In a recent interview with Kristin Ames, owner of Ella Winston, we discovered a little bit more about the mastermind behind the company!



1.  How did you decide to start this business?

I had the desire to create my own handbags back in college (nearly 10 years ago, yikes!) At that time creating and selling my handbags was just a dream that seemed impossible. I had no experience and no clue on how to go about selling my bags, so instead I let fear stand in my way and I just created bags for myself. About one and a half years ago my husband finally said (after creating yet another bag for myself) "Are you going to sell that?!" My first reaction was no, but then I started thinking why not? I had a cousin getting married last July so I decided to make her a clutch and give it to her at her bridal shower. She loved the bag and so did another mother who had a daughter getting married the very next month. She loved it so much she came up to me in tears saying she had to have one for her daughter and handed me cash right there on the spot! That was it for me, I knew I could do this. So I set up my Etsy shop the next month and opened with only 4 bags available, now a little over one year later I have 179 items and 226 sales!


2.  What is your favorite part about creating these bags?

I love seeing all the fun color combinations that brides are using. I love the challenge of creating a bag that compliments their bridesmaid dresses and matches their wedding colors.

3.  What would you recommend to clients before starting their design?

If the brides are purchasing bags for their bridesmaids to use on their wedding day I would suggest that they consider what color their bridesmaids are going to be wearing and choose a color that would compliment it, instead of trying to match it exactly. While the exterior of the bag is important, the interior of the bag can be just as fun. The interior can highlight their bridesmaid dress colors or maybe the colors of their flowers.

4. How long does it take you to make a bag, and how far in advance should clients order to ensure their product in time?

On average it takes me about one hour from start to finish to make a bag. I now guarantee that all bags will be shipped within 7 days of ordering and all my bags ship for free within the United States! I even off rush options if they need it even faster than that. I have found that bridal accessories and gifts are usually close to last on the bridal "to do" list. So shipping their items quick has given me the opportunity to work more brides.





5. What is your number one piece of "wedding advice?"

Don't stress! I know, I know being a bride myself that is nearly impossible to do. Planning a wedding is so special and exciting and trust me it goes by WAY to fast! Enjoy every piece of planning and every special event surrounding your wedding. I kept reminding myself that this day isn't about my hair or my shoes, it's about the love that my soon to be husband and I share.

6.  What color trends are you seeing?

According to Pantone the color of the year should be emerald green. But I have to tell you I haven't sold one emerald green bag this year! I am seeing three very popular color combinations. Navy blue and gold are huge, I can't tell you how many bags I have sold in this combination. I have also sold a lot of bags in really light pinks such as blush pink, or petal pink with either golds or navy blues. The last popular color combination is the blackberry purple and silvers.


7.  What's your current favorite color combination and/or project you've worked on for a client?

This is such a hard question! I love so many color combinations but I would have to say that my top combinations would be navy blue with a blush pink, or Tiffany blue with a dark red.