Crafty Divas and Entrepreneurial Empresses

2004's Diva
Linell Jackson
of Linell Ellis handbags and accessories

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The Bio
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The legacy of handbag designer Linell Jackson began because Linell had a serious "Jones". Not only for her husband, but for cute and fly handbags as well. She began buying handbags at an early age. By the time she met her husband Ellis (she calls him Jay) she had a closet full of handbags, some she had never carried. Jay suggested she pursue making bags because it would be easier and fun to design her own.
In 1999 the thought of creating a handbag that she would carry was turned into a business plan that would become Linell Ellis. They sat down and discussed what she was looking for in a handbag. Linell was a career minded, progressive woman with an outgoing carefree personality. She needed handbags to accentuate all sides of her life and attitude. After lengthy research, putting her sketching abilities to use, and learning how to get a line produced, Linell Ellis created 3 styles the first season: the Bowling Bag, the Clutch, and the Carry All Tote.
In 2001, Linell Ellis launched the online boutique to showcase the image of the company as well as the new collection. Today the website offers online shopping and a creative style that interests a wide variety of women.

Jay is responsible for the company's sales and marketing plan, while Linell handles the company website www.linellellis.com and creative design for the company. "Each season we continue to build the collection and response is great".

What's ahead for Linell Ellis? Cute and funky leather and suede totes, small accessories, unique fabric, and sassy shapes.

Linell Ellis handbags and accessories are available at www.linellellis.com, as well as select boutiques.

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The Gallery
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The Review
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Have I ever mentioned how much I love my job?? :) As we continue with our Crafty Diva features I am continuously amazed by the talent of the women we meet along the way. Linell Jackson is no exception. She sent us over the cutest handbag. Blue denim with pink accents. (See the picture of it above!!) Gorgeous in it's simplicity, and top-notch in quality. The perfect tote for summer - as I am always carrying books, phone, Diet Coke, note pads, smokes, candy, etc. around with me these days. And it is mine all mine!!! Thanks Linell!!!!!

~Trixie, July 2004

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The Interview
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The Basic Lowdown:

Girlposse.com: Who are you?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: A wife, mother, and a girly girl who loves accessories

Girlposse.com: Where are you located?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: Silver Spring MD, between Baltimore and Washington DC

Girlposse.com: What is your creation / business?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: Handbags and accessories

Girlposse.com: Where can people buy your stuff?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: Online at www.linellellis.com or at select boutiques - visit our site to find a location near you

Girlposse.com: Tell us something about yourself - your personality:
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: I am carefree and fun. I love people. I love helping people and making them smile :)

The Nitty Gritty:

Girlposse.com: How long have you been doing this?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: Since about 1999

Girlposse.com: Beginning a business is a big step. How did this become a "business" vs. just a "hobby""?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: Jay was always suggesting I make my own so I would stop buying so many handbags :) So I gave it a try, and after a lot of my friends started asking me to make them a bag like the one they saw me carrying, I knew we were on to something. So we decided to make it formal.

Girlposse.com: Did you have previous business experience - or was the business end new to you?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: I only had previous retail experience. But I quickly found out there is more than just making and selling. You have to also be the accountant, the marketing person, and every other position needed to run a successful business.

Girlposse.com: Are there any resources you would recommend to future Entrepreneurial Empresses? (books, websites, etc.)
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: I would definitely recommend reading Fashion for Profit by Frances Harder. You can get a lot of info online at the SBA. They have great resources for small businesses. Also visit Stylesmart.com. There is a great team there willing to help you build your business too. The best resources are those already in the industry, so get out there and network ladies!!

Girlposse.com: What was (is) your biggest obstacle in selling what you create?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: Definitely I must say it is the marketing. I have so much passion and energy for what I am doing, but finding ways to share that in the midst of creating can be difficult. So that's why I love when I find great folks like those at girlposse.com who are willing to help tell women about independent designers. That is so motivating :)

Girlposse.com: Do you find it difficult coming up with original ideas?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: Not really. Part 1 of the fun is creating a vision and piecing it all together. I find inspiration from just about anything. Part 2 of the fun is if at least one fashionista loves it.

Girlposse.com: Have you ever fallen in love with one of your purses, and just couldn't part with it? How to you battle wanting to keep everything you create for yourself?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: Oh my goodness YES. Our first season there was this leather tote we called "Autumn Breeze". I just could not stop carrying it. But when people start asking me about the bags, I remember I am supposed to be making the bags for everyone not just me. I try not to be selfish :)

Girlposse.com: Are there any plans to expand your product line?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: Yes. Jay (my love) has so many ideas for mens accessories; we will be adding them to the collection next year hopefully.

Girlposse.com: What keeps you going on a bad day?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: That would be our son Zackery. He proclaims himself as our top sales person. He is so wonderful and supportive. I could make the ugliest bag ever and he always finds something positive in each creation.

Girlposse.com: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: I love online boutiques. Any boutique that supports independent designers is really fly. I kind of have a thing for Banana Republic too.

Girlposse.com: What was the best piece of advice you've been given?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: The advice that Jay gives me on a weekly basis… Never give up because you might miss out on the fruits of your labor and always remember you started this because you enjoy it.

Girlposse.com: What advice would you give to a future Crafty Diva?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: You have to be resourceful and determined! Remember customer service is key.

Girlposse.com: Are they any other Crafty Divas or Entrepreneurial Empresses we should know about?
Linell Jackson of Linell Ellis: Jennifer at Stylesmart.com. She is the best!
Dana at artisticaya.com her vision of getting girls together is so cool

~ 2004

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Your Chance to Win!
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This month Linell Jackson is giving you a chance to win the "Alice Clutch". Girly with an Edge. Alice may be in wonderland, but this clutch should definitely be in the city! Modern style, dark denim trimmed in pink croc. Lined in a hot pink modern circle print. Insize zippered pocket, magnetic closure. Proudly Made in the USA! Visit our Contests area for details and to enter. Good luck!
Contest has ended! Congrats goes to Jackie O. from Michigan!!

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

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