Crafty Divas and Entrepreneurial Empresses

May 2004's Diva
DeeDee Moore-Gollin
of DeeDee's Designs

About DeeDee's Designs
Our purpose at deedee's designs is to provide discriminating women with unique, stylish and exceptional quality handbags and accessories. Using timeless as well as whimsical retro fabrics we produce handbags and accessories that are functional and eclectic yet classic, setting us apart from others.

Be sure to check out our wonderful line of french flip flops made with Brazilian rubber sandals, known as the most comfortable flip flop in the world, hand wrapped with double faced French satin ribbon and hand painted with coordinating polka dots, available in children and women's sizes.

All of our designs are proudly made right here in the USA. Each handbag and accessory is hand made with exceptional quality and care. Enjoy!

Our thoughts....
Did you know that flip flops could be quite fashionable?? We didn't - but we do now thanks to the gorgeous pair that DeeDee sent to the office. JoJo was the lucky gal that got to try them out (she never gets anything - and these were just so her!) They're absolutely "kicky!" and oh so pretty. And they are the most comfortable flip-flop! Really!! Best of all, they go with any outfit and occasion! From swimwear at the beach, to simple shorts and a t-shirt, to a flirty little dress.

Now if I could find a way to steal them back from JoJo......

~Trixie

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The Gallery
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The Interview
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The Basic Lowdown:

Girlposse.com: Who are you?
DeeDee: My name is DeeDee Moore-Gollin

Girlposse.com: Where are you located?
DeeDee: I am located in the San Francisco Bay area, in the city of Danville, about 40 minutes East of San Francisco.

Girlposse.com: What is your creation / business?
DeeDee: I design and produce women and children's handbags and accessories including our fabulous French flip flop as well as baby bonnets and cosmetic bags.

Girlposse.com: Where can people buy your stuff?
DeeDee: We sell online on our website, www.deedeesdesigns.com, at various arts and crafts shows in our local area and in specialty boutiques around the country.

Girlposse.com: Tell us something about yourself - your personality:
DeeDee: I am an ex-corporate executive who finally got smart and stared doing something I love! After slaving away for 16 years in Corporate America, working hard for others, I am now working hard for myself-and loving every minute of it. I have been married for 3 years, to the greatest guy a girl could ever want and we have 2 wonderful cats, Maggie and Pippi.

In my business I love working with bright, bold colors and prints and enjoy creating unique and different things, whenever possible. I am a perfectionist and strive to create products that are the best quality, that look great and are functional.

The Nitty Gritty:

Girlposse.com: How long have you been doing this?
DeeDee: I have officially been in business 1.5 years and have been creating things since the age of 3-4.

Girlposse.com: Beginning a business is a big step. How did this become a "business" vs. just a "hobby""?
DeeDee: Making the transition from a hobby to a business is tough one! For me the transition began when I started selling a lot of products and needed to start keeping track of inventory and spending. I always feared that making that transition would take the fun out of what I do, but it hasn't, it just required additional assistance and adding a few more tools to my business toolbox.

Girlposse.com: Did you have previous business experience - or was the business end new to you?
DeeDee: Yes, I did have a lot of previous business experience however making the direct correlation of my past experience with my current business took a little time and effort.

Girlposse.com: What is your opinion of Arts / Crafts shows as a place to sell? As a place to shop?
DeeDee: Getting the word out on a small budget. Marketing is key to a new business and letting everyone you know know what you do will help your business grow however when the marketing budget isn't very large it's very important to allocate those funds to the places you will get the highest exposure to your target markets, which I learned was a trial and error process. You make mistakes along the way, but that is all part of the learning and growing process.

Girlposse.com: I never knew flip flops could be so pretty! What gave you the idea to design your French Flip Flops?
DeeDee: Actually, strange as it may sound, the idea came to me in a dream. I used to work (between jobs) for a very talented floral designer. She taught me something called the French ribbon wrap that we would do on baskets for all our wedding parties. One night I dreamt about that same wrap on a sandal and that is how the idea started.

Girlposse.com: You also design baby bonnets. How did that come about?
DeeDee: Many of my designs evolve from existing and or past designs. When I'm working on a product and/or product development sometimes new concepts for the same product come to me while working with the materials. My baby bonnets evolved from my accessory pouch pattern and my love of baby fabrics, probably out of own desire to have a little one of my own someday!

Girlposse.com: Do you find it difficult coming up with original ideas?
DeeDee: Never! Quite the contrary, I have to try to stay focused and not do everything I would like to do!

Girlposse.com: Are there any plans to expand your product line?
DeeDee: Yes, I am currently working on a wonderful new idea utilizing weaving techniques, an ancient tradition in fabric making, to create some new handbags. I will be incorporating beautiful bold colors along with imported Italian lambskin. I am excited to introduce this new line later this summer.

Girlposse.com: What keeps you going on a bad day?
DeeDee: My supportive husband, my network of friends and my passion for what I do.

Girlposse.com: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
DeeDee: I am really a traditional girl, not into a lot of super trendy "here today gone tomorrow" types of fashions so some of my favorite haunts are places like J.Crew, Banana Republic and some great boutiques and resale shops in San Francisco.

Girlposse.com: What was the best piece of advice you've been given?
DeeDee: Never give up, work hard and believe in yourself and what you are doing. It takes time but success will happen to those that work hard!

Girlposse.com: What advice would you give to a future Crafty Diva?
DeeDee: I have a ton of advice to give to future Crafty Divas but will narrow it down to three things.

1. Don't let finances stop you from doing what you love. There are a ton of great resources out there to help you start and grow your business no matter what your budget allows.

2. Be passionate about what you embark upon because you will spend a lot of time and energy on it. Starting a new business is a lot of hard work and a lot of fun, all at the same time.

3. Don't reinvent the wheel! Hook up and network with other crafty divas who do similar things and are willing to share resources and be supportive of you and your business. There is plenty of business out there for all of us, no need to be stingy with what we've learned!

Girlposse.com: Are they any other Crafty Divas or Entrepreneurial Empresses we should know about?
DeeDee: Yes, Infantly Chic has some wonderful, unique, sophisticated baby accessories, www.infantlychic.com , check it out!

~May 2004

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Your Chance to Win!
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This month DeeDee is giving you a chance to win this pretty little black with pink dots cosmetic bag.

Perfect for those weekend road-trips or girlie sleep-overs! Visit our Contests area for details and to enter.

Contest has ended! Congrats goes to Patricia H. from Tennessee!!

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Be sure to check out our NEW
2004 Crafty Divas and Entrepreneurial Empresses Holiday Specials

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