Today we’d like to introduce you to Seimone Loupe.
Hi Seimone, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Eclectic Totes LLC is a tote bag company that I incorporated in November of 2020.
I began this journey after I graduated with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. I decided to take a chance on myself, as it was imperative to start a legacy for my teenage son. That is the reason for my why.
As a former photographer of 20 years, I am an artist by nature and love the idea of creating. The tote bag concept originated during discussions with my cousin on starting an online business. I created a business plan and performed a SWOT analysis on the tote bag industry, and discovered women’s tote bags were in high demand.
I also researched women’s online boutique success stories and fell in love with the idea of starting my own. I quickly began placing tote bag orders in canvas, mesh, cotton, and burlap.
I purchased lace, fabric paint, and fun jewelry to embellish the bags, On weekends, I would wear them to the nearest farmers market, and to my surprise, people loved my tote bags. At that moment, I knew I had to keep going.
In 2020, during the Black Lives Matter movement, there was a need for strength and peace within the black community, due to police brutality and racism. We also had to survive and endure a global pandemic that claimed the lives of millions.
This was a time when our spirits were at an all-time low. I introduced myself to my local seamstress and requested embroidery on the totes to incorporate positive quotes from my culture. The statements and images on my tote bags brought me healing, as well as to the people in my community, which gave me a sense of purpose.
Eclectic Totes is now a global marketplace that provides totes and jewelry from multiple regions in one place. We are an online boutique and have made connections with artisans from all over the world. I receive shipments direct from Bali, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, London, India, Canada, Mexico, New York, NY, and Atlanta, GA.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 42,000 layoffs have occurred in Ghana. Thousands of businesses have had challenges including a decrease in sales. Eclectic Totes donates 10% of all proceeds from our African Collection line to the Artisan Relief Fund. These funds are employed strictly to support Artisans with demonstrated needs.
Our team also sells merchandise at local Pop-Up shops all over Southern California. We update our website weekly with upcoming dates and locations. Eclectic totes are now in the branding stage which I am extremely excited about. We have the perfect summer totes and the latest jewelry for men and women.
All of our items are handmade and unique. Our team includes Los Angeles-based top artists, seamstresses, and designers and is currently working on our 2022 Eclectic Totes Winter Collection. Stay tuned!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The greatest obstacles for an online business are finding ways to drive traffic to your website, marketing, posting ads, and time management. It is imperative to find time to manage multiple social media platforms with content on a weekly basis.
Some entrepreneurs try to run their business alone, but the truth is it takes a team to operate successfully. Asking for help makes you stronger as a business owner. Last but not least would be business funding in the beginning,
We are at the 1 – 1/2 year mark and I can say it has been an expensive road to ensure you have shipping supplies, marketing materials, money for travel, and paying your employees. Although we are extremely successful during our pop-up shops, we are still attempting to grow our online presence.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our tote bags and accessories are made with love. Our merchandise has a unique sense of style and is not available at your local mall. Our pieces are hand-designed and priced reasonably.
The Eclectic line provides totes for all ages which embodies one-of-a-kind totes, that are uniquely made to express individuality and personality. Eclectic totes are more than a brand.
We give an experience that is providing merchandise from your favorite place to travel and wearing our totes for years to come.
What matters most to you? Why?
It is important to stay faithful to your business during the process. It will be times that you may feel overwhelmed, but it will be worth it in the end. Continue to read and learn your craft.
Pricing:
- Totes $30 – $145
- Necklaces $25-$45
- Earrings $10-$45
- Bracelets $10-$35
- Scarves $35 – $55
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.eclectictotes.com
- Instagram: @Eclectic_Totes
- Facebook: Eclectic Totes
