May 24, 2007

An Interview with Molly Mundt of BagsbyMolly.com

Dust off the photo albums, pick up your one-hour photos and join the party. Whether you are a purse addict, a proud grandma, or just curious, Bags by Molly Boutique is more than purses and home decor, it is a way to express precious moments in your life! For more information please visit our website at www.BagsbyMolly.com.

Interviewing and getting to know other crafters and small business owners is a real treat for Melissa-n-Anissa the owners and partners of CraftyPlaces.com. Because we ourselves are business women and because we love to show our support for other business owners, we have interviewed Molly Mundt owner of BagsbyMolly.com. Molly is fantastically artistic! Read a little about Molly and her business and visit her site, see for yourself how creative she is. Here are the questions we asked and the amazing answers she gave about where she started, where she’s headed, what excites her, and much more!

CraftyPlaces.com - Can you give us a brief history of Bags By Molly? (Where and how you started)
BagsbyMolly.com - - I love to sew and create, especially purses (which you can wear whether you gain or lose 5 pounds!) So, I started making purses for my friends and family
members. They would then receive compliments on my bags and several people started to ask how or where they could get one of my purses. After several years of just word by mouth and handing out business cards, I thought it was time to test the internet.

CraftyPlaces.com - What differentiates your business from other businesses?
BagsbyMolly.com – All of my bags are completely customized and one of a kind. Whether you are looking for a small handbag or a large tote, I will find a way for you to combine a little bit of your style and personality with some of your most precious memories!

CraftyPlaces.com - What trends in bags, especially in hand bags and custom bags do you see developing over the next year?
BagsbyMolly.com - There is always a pressure to have the next big thing! Handbags are so incredibly popular right now and the styles are changing by the day. I am constantly looking for new handles, hardware and patterns.

CraftyPlaces.com - How do you plan on capitalizing on these trends?

BagsbyMolly.com - How do you plan on capitalizing on these trends? I never get complacent with a design. One of my favorite aspects of this business is the ability to evolve and change styles.

CraftyPlaces.com - What new bags/products have you recently released or will soon be releasing?
BagsbyMolly.com – I am currently working on diaper bags. It has taken me a while to find the right look with the desired function, but I feel confident that my customers will be
pleased!

CraftyPlaces.com - What are your most popular bags?
BagsbyMolly.com - I
would have to say the Bags by Molly Original or the Bags by Molly Tote. A lot of women like to carry their totes scrapbooking or to work and my original purse is the easiest to customize specific features.

CraftyPlaces.com - Can you tell us more about your bags/products and why gift givers or women in general would be interested in them?
BagsbyMolly.com - My bags require a couple of well thought choices to produce a time capsule of memories and love. Whether you have antique childhood pictures or a recent digital shot, each bag has the personality of the owner. People who have received my bags as a gift feel like her gift giver really focused on her and her style. It makes
them feel special!

CraftyPlaces.com - What advice would you have for other women who are just starting their own small business or thinking about starting their own small business?
BagsbyMolly.com - Stick with it! Be patient! Put yourself out there! Don't be afraid of being rejected! Remember that when starting your own business you are putting a huge piece of yourself out there for others to scrutinize. This whole process has really pushed me to stretch myself in ways I never imagined!

CraftyPlaces.com - What advice would you have for women who are trying to decide on a specific product and product line?

BagsbyMolly.com - Always, always, always sell something you believe in! You are putting
your name and reputation on the line, so make sure that whatever you choose is of the highest quality with the best recommendation. Also, stay within your skill set and pick something you have and will continue to be interested in.

CraftyPlaces.com - Where would you like your company to be in 10 years?

BagsbyMolly.com – Keep the customers coming and happy. I would love to
say that I hope my company grows into a large business, but personally I don't want that. I love dealing with my customers and providing personal service to them. Maybe I should say, a hopping small business!