Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Robinson.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to introduce yourself.
I graduated BS in fashion merchandising in 2009 and my Masters’s Degree in 2012. I started LauraFaye in 2015. I teamed up with my internship manager from my fashion program and started a jewelry business. From there, I became the lead Costume Director for a nationally touring stage play and fell ever more in love with my first passion, personal styling. Simultaneously making jewelry, we wanted to expand our business to handbags. The only problem was that I was tasked with making the bags and needed to learn how to sew! I borrowed a sewing machine from my mom’s friend, sat at my kitchen table, hopped on YouTube, and learned how to use a sewing machine! Shortly after, I started making faux leather bags out of vinyl and started my own business, Laura Faye. I took my 2nd collection to a downtown boutique in Virginia Beach, and to my surprise, they loved them and wanted to work with me. I was determined to perfect my craft, and I did– well enough for them to ask me on a trip to New York to buy leather so I could create an entire collection exclusively for their store. I knew I was on to something at that moment. All these years later, Laura Faye has made a name for itself, and we are now manufactured in NYC!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a challenging journey. I don’t think any entrepreneurial journey is, but that makes it beautiful—being a self-taught leather seamstress. I’ve learned so much through trial and error. Starting I had no idea how to do simple things like structure the bags, the type of thread and needles to use for leather, or even how to brand my bags correctly. It took me four years to stamp the name Laura Faye on my bags! I’ve done so many shows, a lot of which I’d spend everything I had, and making almost nothing (because I hadn’t determined who my customer was). But I’ve just stayed consistent. There’s no other choice but to be a success. I come from parents who are entrepreneurs, so there was no turning back for me once I started. Thankfully I have the greatest support system imaginable. I’ve paid my dues. Also, I’m a single mom, so balancing this business life and motherhood has been exciting. My son is also my photographer! So that’s been great, incorporating him into my business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
First and foremost, I’m known for my style. Personal styling has always been my first love, so incorporating my business is a bonus. I love being able to style my bags with looks right from my closet. I specialize in luxury leather goods and representing the overall luxury lifestyle brand. During the pandemic, I used the lockdown to refocus my entire brand. I changed my logo, brand colors, mission statement, etc. I created our staple bag, The Mini Clutch, an original design exclusive to Laura Faye. It’s now the bag that usually sells out at every event; I’m so proud of that. Aside from making bags, I also love to write and am an active member of my church. I want to use my business to give back to people in need. Laura Faye currently partners with Childfund International, and our mission statement is that we are a company devoted to helping others who cannot help themselves. So a portion of every sale goes toward this effort. I’s like to start my own nonprofit, eventually.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was quiet, as I am now. I’ve always been a writer. I won some pretty cool awards for poetry in school. I liked to travel and loved the beach, as I still do. People think I’m serious, but I’m super silly outside of this introverted personality! I love to laugh and have fun. I’m always singing and dancing. I had my son early in life, so I spent most of my time as a mom after the age of 18. That has been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Once he was born, I focused on finishing college and being the best mom.
Pricing:
- Vegan Leather Mini Clutches, $79
- Leather Mini Clutches, $212
- LF Logo Clutches, $550
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laura-faye.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_faye/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFayeLLC/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDSDH2h9pthPfzOHsqYGhxg
