Crafty Divas and Entrepreneurial Empresses

May 2004's Diva
Angel Singh
of Idora Designs

Angel Singh of Idora Designs is a designer of unique floral handbags and flower accessories. Idora Designs is an up and coming handbag and accessories line that is making national and international waves with there fabulous fashions. Singh's line includes floral and fabric purses for weddings, special occasions, or just outrageous fun. Each design is handmade with the freshest silk flowers and the highest quality silks, satins, and designer fabrics. Idora items are creatively unique and can be customizable. From flamboyant to retro chic there is something for everyone. Don't wait for the flowers to come to you-with Idora you can carry a bouquet everyday!

Angel sent us an array of her designs (all for you to win!) and we fell in love. They're fun, flirty and very, very spring-y! The purse she sent (pictured below in the gallery) was so unique and clever - perfect for purse lovers everywhere (like moi)! We thought about keeping all of the goodies for ourselves - but that just wouldn't be fair.

But it is tempting!

~Trixie

**********************************************************
The Gallery
**********************************************************

**********************************************************
The Interview
**********************************************************

The Basic Lowdown:

Girlposse.com: Who are you?
Angel of Idora Designs: Angel Singh of Idora Designs

Girlposse.com: Where are you located?
Angel of Idora Designs: I live and do business in Kingston, Washington, a small town outside of Seattle.

Girlposse.com: What is your creation / business?
Angel of Idora Designs: I create unique floral handbags and flower accessories.

Girlposse.com: Where can people buy your stuff?
Angel of Idora Designs: Anyone can buy my items online at http://www.idoradesigns.com. I am also in stores worldwide, you can see if there is a store near you by going to http://www.idoradesigns.com/wholesale.htm

Girlposse.com: Tell us something about yourself - your personality:
Angel of Idora Designs: I am pretty fun, I like fashion-girly, fun and kind of funky things. I think of myself as pretty artistic but yet academic-technical-I love working on my webpage and reading.

The Nitty Gritty:

Girlposse.com: How long have you been doing this?
Angel of Idora Designs: I have been in business since February 2003, but really didn't start taking orders until last spring/summer.

Girlposse.com: Beginning a business is a big step. How did this become a "business" vs. just a "hobby""?
Angel of Idora Designs: I still think of it as a hobby-but I just get paid. When I get really busy or stressed out I start thinking of it as a job and business. For the last six months I have been extremely busy and it has really become a full time full-fledged business.

Girlposse.com: Did you have previous business experience - or was the business end new to you?
Angel of Idora Designs: I actually was a scientist and IT manager before I started my business. So I really had a lot of things to learn. It was accidental that I started a handbag business, so both the design and the business end was new to me. I think the business aspect was the most difficult, because it entails a lot of things you wouldn't naturally think of, like setting up merchant accounts, payroll, taxes, customer service, office management, loan applications, suppliers, manufacturing, shipping, contracts....the list goes on and on.

Girlposse.com: Are there any resources you would recommend to future Entrepreneurial Empresses? (books, websites, etc.)
Angel of Idora Designs: Honestly, I read very little. I started slow, and then when I came to a problem, I asked questions, bought a lot of programs (QuickBooks, Dreamweaver, Publisher, TurboTax) and became an instant expert. I networked a lot and met others in my industry or other women business owners and learned from their experiences.

Girlposse.com: What is your opinion of Arts / Crafts shows as a place to sell? As a place to shop?
Angel of Idora Designs: I actually have never been really involved in that sort of area. I did one small craft show and didn't sell a thing. I think it works for a lot of artists and crafters, but I really don't know if it would be the right market for my products. I do like to shop at them though.

Girlposse.com: What was (is) your biggest obstacle in selling what you create?
Angel of Idora Designs: I am actually a horrible salesperson. I do not actively sell or try to solicit my products. I have a lot of clients/customers because of my website, so I am lucky in that regard. But I really need to get over the feeling of rejection and fear when contacting possibly new clients and boutiques. If I actively marketed myself, I would probably make a lot more sales.

Girlposse.com: Do you find it difficult coming up with original ideas?
Angel of Idora Designs: No, not really. My biggest problem is having time to make up my new ideas. I mass produce many of my designs. so most of the time I am reproducing "old designs" instead of having time to create new lines.

Girlposse.com: Are there any plans to expand your product line?
Angel of Idora Designs: I am getting many of my designs manufactured in the next month, this will help me be able to ship out my designs in a matter of days, instead of weeks. I am hoping to create a new Summer line soon and add more Bridal bags in the next month.

I am also working with my parents on their line of Jewelry (on my site now-but will move soon to www.windandrock.com) Wind and Rock Jewelry. It is so fun to work with them and their handcrafted jewelry line. I am also working with a friend of mine and interior designer Shannon Erickson to create a home accessories company Swanky (www.swankystuff.com). A lot of exciting things that will keep me busy for a while!

Girlposse.com: What keeps you going on a bad day?
Angel of Idora Designs: When business is slow and orders are infrequent or too demanding I just remember this is only a job. My husband and two kids (Zack and Holly) are what is really important. If business is not going great then I just think of them.

Also, I remember all the great things and wonderful people I have met through my business and all the exciting opportunities that have happened in the last year and that gets me past the bad days and to the good days not far ahead.

Girlposse.com: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Angel of Idora Designs: My favorite place to shop is Forever 21. They have really cute clothing for inexpressive prices. I also love Lucky jeans-from wherever. I could wear them and a t-shirt everyday.

Girlposse.com: What was the best piece of advice you've been given?
Angel of Idora Designs: Think long term and of the future. You have to make a goal and then work backwards to achieve it. I really never thought that way about my business (I was always thinking linear-1 day to the next) so thinking this way really has helped.

Girlposse.com: What advice would you give to a future Crafty Diva?
Angel of Idora Designs: Just try it! I think everyone-Every woman should start a business. It teaches you so much about business and yourself. It is very exciting to be in control of something that is yours-you a one can make it succeed or fail-is really all up to you. Who knows how far it can really go.

~May 2004

**********************************************************
Your Chance to Win!
**********************************************************

This month Angel of Idora Designs is giving you a chance to win her fun, flirty Moosh-Moosh purse! Valued at $100, this purse features Embroidered red silk, Chopstick handles, Bead trim, and Accented with removable Foo Foo Flower pin. Visit our Contests area for details and to enter. Good luck!

****************************
Are you a Crafty Diva and Entrepreneurial Empress? Or do you know one that should be featured in a future Girlposse.com issue? If so, visit our Crafty Diva Info Page for the details.
****************************

send this review to a friend

current misc. reviews          past misc. reviews

2003 Crafty Divas Hall of Fame

2004 Crafty Divas Hall of Fame

Featured Book:

Looking for a book? Use this convenient Search Box from Amazon.com Search: Books Keywords: