Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Taylor.
Melissa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Where do I begin? Everything happened so fast! Before I launched my business, I regularly wore box clutches as apart of my everyday style. I consistently received compliments on them, until one day, I was asked: “Where did you get that beautiful clutch?”. I decided at that moment, that I would finally be bold enough to speak on what had not yet manifested. I responded with ” I have my own business selling these clutches, would you like to order ?” Even though I didn’t have a business, I didn’t have a plan, I didn’t have capital, nor did I have any idea of where to start… I saw an opportunity and capitalized on it. That very moment changed my life and catapulted me into the dream I’m now living today, which is Clutch Couture. Once I took that one order, I had to quickly find a supplier, decide on prices, branding/packaging, learn how to build a website and so forth. I had no choice but to put forth maximum effort in getting all these things done since I had already claimed that I had a business.
After selling the regular box clutches for a while, I started to think of ways to stand out in the purse industry. I didn’t want to be just another business selling purses. I needed to be MORE, I wanted to give MORE to my consumers. I was determined to expose Queens to a whole new world of Clutches! An art enthusiast and a fashionista at heart, I was able to find a unique and exciting way to allow a collision of both Art and Fashion to take place with women’s clutches! I began my journey to recruit artists who would agree to paint on the clutches as commission pieces. Some artists, believe it or not, told me NO and others responded with a hearty YES. No matter the response, I continued on my journey and were able to place artists on contracts and create what I now call the Clutch Couture Artist Collective. The CC Artist Collective is a group of artists who’ve agreed to paint on clutches for Clutch Couture, they have all agreed to push the vision and message of CC. Clutch Couture is more than just hand-painted clutches, each clutch has an empowering title and message. When a consumer buys a clutch, they have accepted and agreed with the message, whether it be “No Shade”, “Stronger Together” or “Her Peace”. Each clutch has a message and a purpose.
There was such a positive response to Clutch Couture and the idea of wearable art, that I decided to allow women the opportunity to be their own creators. This is how The Clutch Bar was born, it is an extension of Clutch Couture and it is an experience where guests can come in and paint their own clutches. It is painting with a purpose! Guests are empowered through each message attached to the Clutch. I have recently opened a storefront in the heart of Miami that doubles as a retail store for Clutch Couture and a space for The Clutch Bar. Everything happened very quickly and I am thankful to be in this position, as I do know that it will only get better from here.
This is only the beginning…
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I have never owned a business before so this is all very NEW for me. Success for a business is certainly not linear, it is not just a straight line. There have been so many ups, downs, twists, and turns but thats honestly what makes it worth it. The only reason why I appreciate and value the “UPS” is that I know what the “DOWNS” feel like.
I wouldn’t say that there have been challenges because if I deem something a challenge then I have let it defeat me. But I can say, that there have been several learning curves. Those teaching moments are not necessarily an
obstacle for me because I have learned to keep going even after I’m faced with it.
The most valuable learning curve has been learning to always underestimate incoming revenue and overestimate business expenses, I truly believe that is the most important recipe for success!
Please tell us about Clutch Couture & The Clutch Bar.
Clutch Couture exposes women to a whole new world of clutches. It’s time to throw away the idea that clutches are old-fashioned or can only be worn to classy events.
We have reinvented clutches into wearable art, masterpieces that women can wear with their everyday outfits. We are not your regular purse company, you can find peace in your purchase knowing that you will be the only one wearing your clutch. No clutch is the same and we take pride in this.
I am most proud of The Clutch Bar. This extension of Clutch Couture sets us apart from the rest because we provide a one of a kind experience. Women are empowered while creating their own purses. They even have the option to wear crowns atop their head as they paint, to remind them of their royalty! There is no other experience like this and we are excited to saturate the painting business with a new spin on wearable art.
We offer many different upgrades as apart of the experience, a custom playlist, wine, food, personal photographer/videographer, custom filter, karaoke and several different clutch designs to choose from! We also incorporate The Clutch Bar Chant into the experience which is an empowerment chant that reminds women of their very important mission and calling on this earth:
When I say Clutch, You say Bar …
Clutch… Bar
Clutch… Bar
When I say We, You say Queens…
We… Queens
We… Queens
When I say Beauty, You say Full…
Beauty… Full
Beauty… Full
When I say Wor, You say Thy…
Wor… Thy
Wor… Thy
When I say Power, You say Full
Power… Full
Power… Full
When I say Clutch, You say Bar
Clutch… Bar
CLUTCH… BAR!!!!!!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would definitely ask more questions! I used to think that just because I was the curator of Clutch Couture, I was expected to have all of the answers. “I am the CEO, I can’t possibly know” or “I certainly can’t ask this question because it would make me look less like a BOSS”. This narrative is extremely false and we have to let go of it. Even in business, no question is a stupid question. I realized by me not asking these questions, I was robbing myself of important learning opportunities. Asking questions makes you a well informed and knowledgeable business owner, so don’t be AFRAID to ask any and EVERY question!
Pricing:
- The Clutch Bar Experience – CHILDREN $25, ADULTS (Includes Clutch, Clutch Strap & All Painting Supplies) $45
- Clutch Couture (Canvas Clutch Collection) $40 – $85
- Clutch Couture (Everyday Collection) $35 – $40
- The Clutch Bar Experience – CHILDRENS (Includes Kids Purse, Kids Strap & All Painting Supplies)
Contact Info:
- Address: 20348 NW 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33169
- Website: www.clutch-couture.com
- Phone: (305) 705-4313
- Email: info@clutch-couture.com
Image Credit:
Photos Taken By @Screen_Green_Studios & @niaduncan_
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