Welcome to our Coffee Table Chats.. our casual, behind-the-scenes conversations where we get to know the people who make our brand unique.
Today's Coffee Table Chat features Laura, a design expert with over 20 years of experience in New York City. Specializing in turning creative concepts into successful, market-ready products, Laura’s expertise spans sourcing, design, and profitability. As the founder of her own handbag line, she knows the ins and outs of the industry, ensuring clients receive valuable insights that drive their projects forward. Her passion for Manhattan’s dynamic energy is reflected in every consultation, helping clients bring their visions to life.
Can you share a bit about your background and how you got into the world of design?
I was a very talented fashion/set stylist to start, if I can say so myself-----I loved creating looks and visuals and collaborating with photographers and creative directors on ideas, stories, editorials, visions, visuals and settings…..it’s the creating bit that takes you to design. A good eye for any type of design lends itself to many mediums, all based on taste, as well as the level of exposure to that taste and the level of the collaborators you are blessed to work with.
What does a typical design consultation with you involve?
A typical design consult involves a really great conversation where I get to know the client and who they are, what inspires them, and what they want their dreams to look like.
What’s the most exciting project you’ve ever worked on with a client?
I think it is always exciting to work with the Fashion District Designers of NYC; on their look book creations, their runway creations and their collaborations with other brands----it is the pulse of THE FASHION WORLD when working with them on their projects. You feel the creativity with them when working with one another---its great energy because they are creating the trends with us.
How do you help clients turn their initial ideas into a market-ready product?
With lots of development, feedback and guidance- a bundle #3 with a Product Design Pack and you are there and ready to start—for extra business know how, the Business Building Pack.
How do you balance creativity with practical business advice in your consultations?
Easily. You cannot build a business if you are only focused on the design of the product—design and business when you are creating your OWN, goes hand in hand---and it is fun because we make it fun and relevant.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to bring their idea to life?
Open your mind to feedback from the Clutch Made Team ---we excel at what we do!
For those looking to deepen their understanding, how can our online course help them in the design process?
The course simplifies and explains the world of how designing and making with experts works, so our clients understand the process.
They begin to understand what is needed from them in the design and development of their accessories. Then we feel that they are more on an equal playing field with The Clutch Made Team.
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