i will figure this out

March 9th, 2011   /   20 COMMENTS   /   business advice

Okay. Truth time.

I feel like my business is further along than ever before. I’ve conquered tons of business challenges, built the e-business of my dreams, and I know a lot about jewelry. I have 12 years of experience designing jewelry and running a company. As Mr. Lively says, “it’s my jam.”

And now I’m back to square one.

(Sort of.)

You see, I haven’t told many people this yet, but I have a new vision for Jess LC. It’s bigger, broader, more exciting than ever before. It hatched into my brain while I was in New York in January. I finally permitted myself to think beyond designing jewelry.

I am ready to break into the world of handbags and totes.

I wanted to keep this a secret here on MML until I could triumphantly reveal the finished pieces and have a lovely completed lookbook. I wanted the reveal to be unexpected and amazing. But the truth is, right now I don’t know how to get handbags and totes produced. I don’t know the handbag making process.

I have my styles. I know my prices. I have a general idea of materials.

But I don’t know who to work with to make them.

As I mentioned before, I know I can figure stuff out. I have called many people, had many meetings, and gotten several opinions on the collection. But none of these efforts have produced the key to production that I’m currently lacking.

So what I want to say to entrepreneurs (and everyone seeking the next step in life), I know what it’s like to not know how to do things. I’m in that place myself right now. And I have faith that I will figure out this whole bag situation and you will figure out whatever it is that you are working on. As long as we keep going, we will find what we seek.

So right now I’m trying to be patient.

This will happen. The answers I need will be revealed.

And the same is true for you.

  • http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com Jill

    So exciting Jess! My brother has recently started a clothing line… I can maybe give you a few of his steps (over email) that he has taken. They may be things you haven’t tried yet. I’ll email you!

  • Helena

    Glad to hear what you decided and I can’t wait to see the bags! (though I hope you keep the “venturing into home design things” in the back of your mind for a future venture as well!) Good luck!

  • http://www.alittleginger.com Maddie

    Ooh, exciting! Looking forward to seeing the finished products, Jess. And in the meantime, this is such a nice reminder that current problems will find solutions, whether we’re talking about handbags or anything else.

  • http://www.maggieroseonline.com Maggie Rose

    Perfect timing, because I’m actually hitting this same wall myself today. Researching how to get products made after the designing and dreaming and sourcing has happened. Can be frustrating!

    I’m excited for your handbag line. Wore my Diversy earrings yesterday and got compliments on them! No doubt the bags will be just as chic.

  • http://mandiesmumblings.blogspot.com moxiemandie

    SO interested in your progress- I opened an etsy shop 4 months ago with clutches, pouches, and a few houseware accessories, have had the busiest 4 weeks yet, and am beginning to get overwhelmed at how to maintain quality, cs, and be able to design new products all while working my full time job. Oy. I am so thankful for your posts because though I’m not able to always read each one, they often find me where I’m at & I really appreciate the time that you invest in this place.

    Thanks Jess!

  • Marguerite

    Hi Jess,

    Perhaps pop over to Luxirare’s site, she makes her own bags, clothes, shoes (!), etc. (high end) and sources her materials from Italy. She would know where to source materials and other things and perhaps how to get started. She’s been very helpful and wonderful and her site is AMAZING.

    Marguerite

  • http://meditationsonlifeandstyle.blogspot.com dayka @ Life + Style

    congrats to you on this new venture, and thanks for sharing your honesty! it’s great to know that even though you’re a success, trying new things can still bring some of the same challenges.

    please keep us posted on your progress–looking forward to seeing those bags!

  • http://www.bruinetteinwonderland.com Bruinette in Wonderland

    Congratulations, I’m certain that when you get things figured out with this next exciting/fun/nerve-wracking/butterfly inducing opportunity, you will have a line miles long waiting to get your new bags : ) Feel free to save me a spot in the line.

  • http://oliviating.wordpress.com Olivia

    That is such an exciting venture. I can’t wait to see how this unfolds and whenever the bags go live, I will be shopping big time! :) Good luck!

  • http://www.acutedesigns.org Gina

    So exciting! I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

    And…thanks for the words of encouragement. They were much needed today :) .

  • Sarah K. S.

    Jess, that’s great! If you haven’t created one already, create a chevron bag. At the right price, I’d be your first customer.

  • http://designwali.blogspot.com/ Sundeep @ Designwali

    i love it…design with intention…can’t wait to see your little new baby come to life!

  • http://smalltimestyle.blogspot.com Lauren

    As I am currently learning, being at square one is a hard place. But when you have prior experience behind you, you always have a foundation that will hold you up through the mistakes and learning process. I’m sure there was a time when you didn’t know how to make jewelry, but you figured it out. And you’ve figured out how to build an amazing business, design a life with intention, and help others do the same thing – You WILL figure this one out – and that’s so exciting!!

    And goodness, I’m going to have to start saving dollars b/c I’m sure I’m going to die for whatever the handbag collection looks like and want every piece :) .

  • http://ajayskapoor.posterous.com Ajay

    Hey Jess —

    Just shot you an email. Check out http://www.skinny-vinny.com/

    Its a friend’s company. He makes his handbags in BK and has some sort of distribution agreement with Urban Outfitters.

    - A

  • http://roseeckford.typepad.com rose

    you can do it!!x

  • http://LrnMDesign.blogspot.com Lauren M.

    Lovely post, just lovely! Such a positive message that is so true. Your positive thinking even during tough times is so inspirational. We could all use a little more positivity in our lives! Good luck with your new venture, I’m sure you will do well!

  • http://woodplusfabric.blogspot.com Merissa

    Jess you certainly will figure it out! I’m excited to see what designs you have in mind!

  • http://adrianawillsie.com/blog Adriana

    Wow, I feel like you got into my head and wrote this post just for me. I often mind myself thinking that other people just know how to do everything, and that’s why they’re so successful. It’s good to hear that we all go through the same thing trying to figure out all the next steps!

  • Pingback: i will figure this out: follow up | Makeunder My Life

  • http://www.makeundermylife.com Jess

    @ Everyone: Thank you SO much for your sweet comments, suggestions, and support! I just wrote responses to your comments in this post: http://makeundermylife.com/i-will-figure-this-out-follow-up/