Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in luxury bags but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Crystal Kodada, owner and designer of Crystal Kodada LLC., located in South Amboy, NJ, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is a luxury leather handbag brand. Made in New Jersey. I am the designer, Crystal Kodada. My mission is to inspire and empower others through my purses. I love designing handbags that have fashion, functionality, versatility, and quality. Every detail was created with the purpose of empowering and exciting the everyday lives of women. I believe a handbag such last a lifetime and should grow and move through time with you, like a best friend, always there for you!

Tell us about yourself

I attended FIT for the Accessories Design Program. I worked in the industry designing for other brands before I launched my brand in 2014 during NYC Fashion Week. I believed there was a void in the marketplace for quality handbags that had a positive purpose connected to them, so that's when I started my brand Crystal Kodada! I have a real passion for purses! I love how purses serve as a function but also can express and show the world what kind of style you have. You can have a simple outfit with a fabulous purse and look really put together. Handbags also always fit! What motivates me each day is my customers! I love putting my positive energy into all my bags and seeing the pure joy and light on my customers' faces when rocking my Kodada bags. I love when they tell me how amazing and beautiful they feel while wearing a Kodada handbag. When I'm designing, I really think about their wants and needs and what details will make them shine and feel alive to thrive!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my biggest accomplishments was getting a US design patent for my Invincible Clutch design. I also was featured in Vogue and Vanity Fair.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is being your own toughest critic and just feeling like you are enough and what you do is enough. Letting go of expectations and just flowing with the universe. Keeping a positive outlook.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Keep going.
  2. It's so important to maintain a work/life balance.
  3. You create your own reality. Stay positive!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I just became a new mama to my little girl Kayla Kodada, so I proudly learning to balance mom-life with boss life, and it's a beautiful evolutional process! Really thinking about creating functional, fashionable baby bags in the future!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://crystalkodada.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CRYSTALKODADA/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalkodada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crystalkodada
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-kodada-1ba3432a/

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.