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April 2005's Diva
Jessica Alpert-Goldman of
World According to Jess
World According to Jess is more than just her line’s brand name-it is also her personal philosophy.
World According to Jess is a life-long dream of handbag guru Jessica Alpert-Goldman. Growing up in suburban MA, Jess always kept one goal in mind . . . take New York City by storm and conquer the glamorous world of fashion. It was only after graduating from Syracuse University, jumping from fashion fabulous to fashion mishap jobs, that Jess could finally create a “WORLD” of her own.
After being unveiled in August 2001, World According to Jess gained quick recognition by stars and the media alike. Unafraid to be unique, break rules and buck trends, Jess’s line is one of a kind! As Jess puts it, “I like to make fun of fashion while emphasizing quality construction and functional design...think ribbons, studs and paint by number! The customer should always expect the unexpected!”
Jess’s philosophy stems from her run-ins with bags that could not hold the daily necessities for work, could not fit in the overhead compartment of a plane, and could not go through the x-ray machines in airports. Her goal was to create handbags for work, travel, woman’s best friend (her doggy) or an evening out on the town. “During my morning commute, I could not believe the amount of bags women would carry. They’d schlep a work tote a gym bag and a bag for their lunch. I figured, why not simplify things and make one bag that could do it all, while never forgetting the importance of making it fashionably unique.”
Jess delivers fun, on-the-go, fashion fabulous and functional designs made with quality in mind. Her unique take on fashion has attracted some of Hollywood’s biggest shoppers such as Beyonce Knowles, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, Christina Aguilera, Lindsey Lohan and countless others.
World According to Jess is for the fearless, the fun, the fabulous, and those who make their own fashion rules. Her bags are often watched carefully and admired endlessly. The sky is the truly, and perhaps, the only limit at World According to Jess. She may be the downright, wackiest girl you’ve ever met, but Jess’s ability to inspire and create is boundless.
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The Gallery
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The Interview
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The Basic Lowdown:
Girlposse.com: Who are you?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: Jessica Alpert-Goldman
Girlposse.com: Where are you located?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: Jersey
Girlposse.com: What is your creation / business?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: fashionably functional handbags, cosmetic bags, travel bags, diaper bags, and dog carriers
Girlposse.com: Where can people buy your stuff?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: See worldwide store listing at www.worldaccordingtojess.com
Girlposse.com: Tell us something about yourself - your personality:
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: Hard question....I guess in a nutshell; I am silly, over motivated, take no prisoners kind of gal.
The Nitty Gritty:
Girlposse.com: How did you first become interested in creating your own line?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: life long dream
Girlposse.com: How long have you been doing this?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: 3 1/2 years
Girlposse.com: Beginning a business is a big step. How did this become a "business" vs. just a "hobby""?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: When I got out of college in 1996, I immediately started working in the fashion industry. With over 14 jobs and tons of experience, I decided to make my dream a reality
Girlposse.com: Are there any resources you would recommend to future Entrepreneurial Empresses? (books, websites, etc.)
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: There is so much out there for entrepreneurs...I suggest calling your local Small Business Development Center and meeting with an advisor.
Girlposse.com: Do you have employees? If so, how many?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: There are approximately 5 employees and we always have interns.
Girlposse.com: How does the internet play a part of your business?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: The internet plays a key role in my business. I had originally thought I would put up some pages to show product to buyers and magazine editors but it has become a great retails business for us.
Girlposse.com: What was (is) your biggest obstacle in selling what you create?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: The biggest obstacle is educating the buyers of large department stores that there is a customer out there for this never been seen before yet functional product. My customers have always understood the product and gone out and told as many people as they could about how much they love it but the buyers for these stores just see something different that they are afraid of.
Girlposse.com: Do you find it difficult coming up with original ideas?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: Never, I love coming up with fun wacky ideas...its why I do this!
Girlposse.com: Are there any plans to expand your product line?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: Yes, we are currently working on a dog collar and leash line. I think there are always new markets to tackle and great ideas out there. The key to adding on is doing it at the right moment and making sure it fits in with your business model and brand.
Girlposse.com: Which one of your products is your favorite?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: I love them all, but I carry the Arthack Everyday for the past 4 years. (I think bags and denim look best after a little wear and tear)
Girlposse.com: What keeps you going on a bad day?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: A combination of things: my best friend and husband David (he can make me laugh even if it feels like everything is crumbling around me), Lifetime (Golden Girls, Nanny, and Mad About You), and Jelly Beans
Girlposse.com: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: Good Will, Target, and the Sweet Factory or any place with a candy bin.
Girlposse.com: What was the best piece of advice you've been given?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: Don’t let the Turkeys get you down
Girlposse.com: What advice would you give to a future Crafty Diva?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: Be original, never copy...there are too many hacks in the world.
Girlposse.com: Are they any other Crafty Divas or Entrepreneurial Empresses we should know
about?
Jessica Alpert-Goldman: Sam Walton....my hero, owner of Walmart and Sam’s Club. Read his book Made in America, on sale at Walmart for less than $5
~April 2005
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Your Chance to Win!
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This month Jessica is giving you a chance to win one of 4 adorable sleep masks! Visit our Contests area for details and to enter. Good luck!
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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.
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2005 Crafty Divas Hall of Fame
2004 Crafty Divas Hall of Fame
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