A space for women business owners to share.
-
Carrie Sommer
- United States
- Share
- Blog Posts (2)
- Discussions (1)
- Groups (1)
- Photos (23)
- Photo Albums
- Videos
Carrie Sommer's Discussions
Getting yourself out there
12 Replies
Started this discussion. Last reply by Barbara Swisher Sep. 18, 2007.
Sommer Designs Blog RSS
Loading feed
Carrie Sommer's Page
Profile Information
- What is your name?
- Carrie Sommer
- Are you currently heading a woman-owned business?
- Yes
- If you are in business, what is the name of your business?
- Sommer Designs
- Where did you get your idea for your business or the business you'd like to start?
- In 1996, after my children started school, I decided I needed a creative outlet and began freelance writing, which morphed into designing newsletters, brochures and finally websites.
Sommer Designs was launched in 1999 as a web design studio at a time when the internet was just a blip on the map. The business grew over several years, but in 2003, with the market saturated with web design firms and business slowing down, I began to look for another avenue to channel my creativity.
On a lark, and after not sewing for many years, I made a diaper bag for a pregnant friend. The response was amazing, and everything literally snowballed from that moment. One thing led to another, more bags were requested, business cards changed hands, and the orders started coming in.
I realized this was the perfect opportunity to switch gears, and re-launched Sommer Designs as a handmade handbag line with five styles named after the lovely area where we are based, the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Southern California.
In 2006, Sommer Designs branched out and added house wares to the line including hostess aprons and lavender-filled fabric drawer liners. These have proved to be exceptionally popular and quickly became best-sellers. I love using high-end, eye-catching fabrics in my products, and the combinations of unlikely patterns add a touch of whimsy. All of my products are sold on my website (www.sommerdesigns.com) and at local events.
- Where is (will) your business located? (City and State)
- Palos Verdes Peninsula, California
- If you already have a website, what is the address for your business?
- http://www.sommerdesigns.com
- How long have you been in business? (Or when do you plan to open?)
- Technically, 7 years.
- How many employees do you have, if any?
- 1-5
- What is your annual revenue?
- $25K-$50K
- Describe your product or service, or the product you plan to introduce to the market.
- Handmade handbags, diaper bags, burp cloths, hostess aprons, lavender-filled fabric drawer liners
- How did you (or plan to) fund your business startup?
- Credit cards, personal savings
- What was (is) the biggest hurdle in getting your business off the ground?
- Low cost avenues of promotion are always difficult, but there are ways!
- What would you advise other women interested in starting a similar business?
- Just do it - start small, and grow. I believe in following your heart and going where life leads you. The wonderful thing about growing your own business is the flexibility, and that your direction can change over the years to accommodate your needs and changing lifestyle.
- What has been your biggest mistake?
- Trying to broaden my line too much. Focus, focus, focus!
- What has been your smartest move?
- I named my handbags after little pocket neighborhoods in my community. This created an instant niche - and people love the story.
Also, branching out and doing craft fairs and events - it gets your name out there!
- Are you willing to answer questions from other women business owners about your business?
- Yes
- What is your email address?
- info@sommerdesigns.com
Carrie Sommer's Photos
Carrie Sommer's Blog
Check out the November issue of Country Living Magazine! I'm in it!
Page 42 - I participated in the 'Pitch Your Product' contest last March at the Country Living Women's Entrepreneur event, and was one of 9 who won! I can't believe it!
Posted on October 16, 2007 at 9:26am —
Add your company banner to your box! It's easy!
See that little mywomanownedbusiness.com box up there? It's really easy to add your company banner and have it link directly to your site.
Click on the 'edit' button. Then, once you are in the box, you'll notice the image button on the far right of the box. Click on that and follow the prompts to upload your image. Once that's done, you'll see it in code.
You just need a little more tweaking to get it right.
Where it says: <p style="text-align: left;"&
… ContinuePosted on August 29, 2007 at 3:01pm —
About
© 2009 Created by Kimberly Porrazzo on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
Comment Wall (9 comments)
You need to be a member of MyWomanOwnedBusiness.com to add comments!
Join this Ning Network
I would like to invite you to my network of friends and professionals. I own and operate a specialty gift shop in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. I am interested in networking with other professional women.
Patricia Twitchell
The Teddy Bear Lady of Myrtle Creek
www.justbearsandstuff.com
Thank you for the add. Hope you had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.
My Company, Business Communications Solutions (BCS) is your one stop shop for your telecommunication needs. I can get your business going or improve your current system by starting with a free consultation, so together we can come up with the best solution to fit your needs. We'll provide you with the equipment, cabling, installation, phone carrier, training, maintenance and more!
Let me know if you or any of your friends or colleagues could use our services and expertise. It would be great to work with other woman owned businesses!
Oh, and I love your necklace in your profile photo. :)
Hope to talk to you soon,
ash
Great to meet you! I look forward to learning more about Sommer Designs.
Happy Labor Day!
Caroline