Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leather fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie McTigue, founder of CoFi Leathers, located in Denver, CO.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At CoFi Leathers, we manufacture unique printed leather handbags, sneakers, and wallets. We use Italian papers and foils via a transfer process to custom create our distinctive leather designs that we use to create our collection. Women who love admiration and compliments are drawn to the CoFi line because CoFi's handbags and footwear are a direct reflection of a person's inner confidence and individuality.
Tell us about yourself
I am Stephanie McTigue, the founder and CEO of CoFi Leathers. CoFi began as a family business, as my father has been in the leather business for over 45 years. His knowledge of leather construction coupled with my love of fashion and design help create the CoFi Line.
I am consistently motivated to create products that women love. Almost all women who wear their CoFi sneakers or handbags in public receive compliments from people passing by. When they tell me how much they love their CoFi product and how it makes them feel, I am encouraged to continue to design products that help women stand out in a crowd.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This past August, I entered and won a pitch competition that was sponsored by Project Women's and Fashwire. To have CoFi recognized as an up-and-coming important brand within the industry was a huge and exciting accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the most difficult aspects of owning a business is finding the right people to work with. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by a great team, but it has taken time to build.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If someone is looking to grow a business today:
1. I would ask them to be able to describe their differentiating point as to why people would want their particular product. What makes them stand out in the marketplace?
2. Know that there will be ups and downs in the business. It is important to listen to your consumer and learn how to best address their needs. Pivot if necessary.
3. Make sure to prioritize and compartmentalize. Growing a business takes time and energy, but so does having a family. It is important to carve out time for all aspects of your life, including self-care.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/cofileathers/
https://www.facebook.com/CoFiLeathers
https://twitter.com/CoFiLeathers
https://www.pinterest.com/cofileathers/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cofileathers/?viewAsMember=true
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.