Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Cisarik.
Hi Kathleen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Kathleen Cisarik and I am so happy to live in Austin and pursue my dream of owning a handbag company. I have always loved clothing and accessories, including style + design. I always desired to learn how to sew, so it all began during the Spring of my Sophomore year at Baylor University when I taught myself how to sew by watching YouTube videos. Several broken needles and spools of thread later, I learned I was hooked on designing custom-made handbags. It all started from striving to find a fun, stress-free hobby, and here we are years later, professionally manufacturing the initial handbag designs I curated.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I always dreamed of having my own business. I knew it was important to gain experience in the fashion industry, preferably from an established designer. In the midst of COVID-19, I realized it was the perfect opportunity to establish KMC Handbags as an LLC and start researching manufacturers.
It is far from easy and simple and requires much time, energy, and capital to produce the exact vision you want in your product. I can’t tell you the number of emails, phone calls, and FaceTimes the manufacturing process required. I am so pleased with The First Collection. I wouldn’t have changed a thing!
My goal was to have KMC Handbags manufactured in the USA, but even better, locally in Texas. There have been a variety of exciting moments as well as very challenging times, so many smiles as well as so many tears. The challenges along the way have shaped both who I am and my brand, KMC Handbags, is today.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
KMC Handbags are made of unique & high-quality vegan leathers and snakeskins accompanied by beautiful, trending interior fabrics, setting us apart from other brands. We produce our handbags in small quantities to specialize in uniqueness and originality, making our customers feel confident and unique when styling their KMC handbags.
We launched The First Collection in March of 2022 & have launched several collections thereafter. We now have many products in addition to our staple styles. Our newest handbag is The Clear Crossbody. The Clear Crossbody is not only stadium & concert approved, but also unique and versatile. It took almost a year to perfect The Clear Crossbody to its fullest potential. While incorporating vegan leathers and fringe, we have created the most versatile, unique, high-end & affordable stadium-approved, clear handbag on the market!
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Developing my business idea, then bringing the creation into a real-life business model was a big risk to take. My goal of striving to create unique and one-of-a-kind handbags that are both affordable and of great quality was my primary vision. One of my main goals was to have my manufacturer based in the United States and it was a real plus to locate a manufacturer based in Texas. I am happy that I took the leap of faith and began to build my business. I learn something new every day about all the different moving parts of the business and how it contributes to making KMC Handbags successful.
Most importantly, while taking risks, I have realized you must set boundaries between your personal life and your business. At some point, you need to take time for yourself, mentally and physically, to aid burnout. I quickly learned the importance of work-life balance. Each day begins by exercising to give me the energy and enthusiasm to start my busy workday by prioritizing fulfilling orders, answering emails, marketing, planning for markets, working on designs, etc. I have learned throughout the process it takes a lot of patience, prayer, faith, and hustle to strive to make your business not only profitable but also rewarding. It is gratifying to watch KMC Handbags grow and see the time and energy invested into the business to watch KMC become a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: kmchandbags.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmchandbags/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmchandbags
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-cisarik-859063161/
