Yay! It’s MADE IN A AMERICA WEEK, Green Style!
Lucky Penny Couture is based in both St. Louis, Missouri and Chicago, Illinois. The amazing designer, Sarah Riley, brings us eco-friendly designs we can feel good about purchasing + an extra pat on our backs when we buy because it’s MADE IN THE USA!
Tell me about yourself outside of being an entrepreneur.
–Sarah: In general, I am either experimenting in the kitchen or feasting with friends at the newest local restaurant. I am happiest when I am at the gym. I’m slightly obsessed with farmers markets, finding the perfect patio, jogging in Forest Park and constant travel. (Sarah Riley, pictured below… Isn’t she just adorable!?)
Where did the idea for your products/business come from?
–Sarah: My inspiration for the brand was fostered by my love of the fashion industry and the environment- two things that don’t often go hand in hand. I had been a vegetarian for nearly a decade when I started conjuring ideas for the brand. I wanted to do something different- I wanted a fashion line with a conscience. Throughout the years, I had such a difficult time finding non-leather accessories that were both quality and fashionable. Most vegan lines were uninspired and miles away from the trendy runway fashions I loved. I knew I needed to merge the two ideas to create something eco-chic thus Lucky Penny Couture was born.
What first steps did you take to transform your idea/passion into an actual business?
–Sarah: I started researching, designing and patterning like crazy. And most importantly, I reached out to friends and peers that could offer advice or guidance to help guide me in the right direction.
What was your biggest challenge in starting your business?
–Sarah: Hands down, finding a domestic manufacturer -and finding the right fit. Finding someone close that had the capabilities and could produce the quality of work I was looking for was not easy. I went through a number of manufacturers before I found one that was a good fit. And it is still a problem I have when seeking out new factories. All of my bags are hand made in my second home Chicago, Illinois.
What is your personal favorite product in your line?
–Sarah: The smallest and simplest of all the bags; the Suzie Zip. It is the perfect size for everything! I pile my make-up in it and throw it in my big purse, it’s a home for all my cords when I travel and a quick clutch when running errands.
Why was it important to you for your products to be Made in America?
–Sarah: It was important for me to not only control the quality of my product, which is more easily done when it is produced domestically, but also to control the environmental footprint. I makes me proud to be a part of the movement for domestic manufacturing and help to create the demand for American made goods.
What differentiates your business and products from your competitors?
–Sarah: Lucky Penny has carved out such a niche market with its products. We appeal to the consumers that want to support American made products as well as the eco-conscious consumer. We pride ourselves on being what we call eco-chic. In contrast to our competition brands, our products are a bright, bold, trend savvy vision of what modern, eco-friendly fashion should be.
What are your plans for the future? What is the vision for your brand?
–Sarah: My dream for Lucky Penny is to grow the brand to a multi-category lifestyle brand. From handbags, clothing and accessories to home, garden & culinary. I want to foster the brand to become a Lucky Penny lifestyle. Living fashionably doesn’t have to be at the expense of the environment. We would do everything to cultivate this philosophy and bring the ability to be eco to the mainstream consumer.
What advice would you give to anyone trying to start their own business?
–Sarah: “Commit to your business. Believe in it more than anybody else.” -Sam Walton. This quote rings true on so many levels. You must seriously, eat and breathe your business. Love it and be willing to sacrifice everything for it. If you can’t commit to your business, how can you ever expect others to do so? This is your vision, your dream, you must own every aspect of it.
FACEBOOK: LUCKY PENNY
TWITTER: LUCKY PENNY
INSTAGRAM: LUCKY PENNY
PINTREST: LUCKY PENNY
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What a breath of fresh, clean air! These sunny, floral bags and clutches having me craving spring! I need the adorable little Suzie zip like I need oxygen! Feel great this year by sporting an eco-friendly, green chic, American-made couture accessory! Pair these bright and beautiful statement pieces with fun and colorful outfits to complete the look!
Don’t forget to make a few clicks and enter to WIN this great American GIVEAWAY!
GIVEAWAY RULES: This gorgeous CAMPOS AMERICAN LEATHER CLUTCH (Shop Here: retailing at $98) can be yours with just a few simple clicks!
– FOLLOW CAMPOS on INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER
– FOLLOW SETS AND SEQUINS ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER
– RETWEET my GIVEAWAY photo on TWITTER
– COMMENT on my INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY photo so we have your contact info!
The WINNER will be selected at the end of Made in America Week on SATURDAY, February 22nd!
This little black beauty is perfect for heading from day to night to gym too! Keep your Get-Ready-And-Go essentials in it, and toss it in a larger purse or fitness bag when more space is necessary. I can’t wait to see who will get to sport this red, black, and blue Americana CAMPOS clutch!
Sincerely,
Sarah, xoxo
Sets and Sequins 