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Names and labels.
This is what counts in the bag industry.
If you can make your name a name, you got it made.
It is a challenge, but for the clever and determined, it is possible.
After graduating from Syracuse with a degree in fashion design, Tamara Freedman decided to try her hand (and her name) in the competitive world of bag design.
"Ever since I was a young girl," Freedman explains, "I have always had the dream to become a fashion designer." And although she is not sure where her passion started, Freedman remembers many happy childhood hours spent doodling and creating outfits for her dolls.
"I have also always wanted to have my own business," she notes, recalling her first post-graduate venture - a clothing company called "Tamara Originals." Though she had some early success - selling her designs to national boutiques from her first industry trade show - Freedman realized that she needed more experience before fully committing to her own business."I had just graduated college and I needed to learn about all of the aspects of managing a business," she says. "I also needed to improve my design skills."
While working in New York for Liz Claiborne, Freedman got her first experience designing handbags. "I had never designed handbags before," she says, "but realized that I really enjoyed it!"Over the course of the next two years, Freedman had worked her way up to the point where she was awarded a designer title.
"My three years at Liz Claiborne taught me about the entire handbag design process from start to finish and about the importance of working with a factory overseas," she explains.
Freedman was soon snatched up by Ralph Lauren who assigned her the task of designing their entire handbag line."This was an incredible experience," Freedman recalls, "and it gave me the confidence I needed to design and merchandise an entire handbag line on my own."
After spending a few more years in New York, Freedman headed home to Boston where she launched Tamara Handbags. "I was confident in my design skills and wanted to take a chance," freedman explains. "Boston has a small fashion industry so I thought it would be the perfect place to make a name for myself!"
In the past four years, Freedman has grown Tamara Handbags from a sole proprietorship to an international line that is sold in 200 boutiques, as well as in Lucky, Teen People, US Weekly, and E! Entertainment Television. But, despite her meteoric growth, however, Freedman still holds true to the basic principles on which she founded her company.
"Design is the most important aspect of my business," she maintains, recalling the countless hours spent reworking and researching her designs, her industry, and the many other elements that would be necessary in order to bring them from idea to market.
These days, Tamara Handbags comes out with two new lines each year - one for spring/summer and another for fall/winter. Each bag is constructed of unique fabrics and materials and comes in a variety of sizes and styles that range from wallets to satchels. No matter how different they may be, however, every single bag is checked by Freedman and sealed with her signature heart logo.
"I name each bag after very special women in my life," Freedman explains, "inspired by their love and friendship."
With the support of these and other women and with lessons learned through trial and error, Freedman has been able to make a success where many others have failed. "Owning your own business is a learning experience every day," she says. "You have to stay positive and be persistent?.It is hard work but it is very rewarding and motivating!"
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