Eye Kandy Designs™
BACKGROUND:
What is your name?
Rebecca Gomez-Autin
Where are you from?
Guatemala City, Guatemala & Buras, Louisiana
Where do you live now?
Baton Rouge, LA
How old are you?
26
Do you have a design background?
Yes, some college
What year where your bags born?
2003
Bag Brand Name?
Eye Kandy Designs
Where can a shopper buy your bags?
www.eyekandyonline.com
For more information contact?
www.eyekandyonline.com
STORY:
Eye Kandy handbags are constructed out of candy wrappers,
beer boxes, cereal boxes, juice pouches, chip bags and other
unusual materials. All inspired by popular culture, everyday
imagery and recycling. The Eye Kandy line is extensive, and I am
ready to enter the market. This whole concept started when I was
18 years old. The idea of using every day things, recycling and
pop culture is something all teens, and young adults and
basically anyone can relate to. No matter what age, race, etc,
everyone relates to the food they eat and the memories they
hold. This is why I think makes Eye Kandy so unique. My target
audience is tweens, teenagers and young adults or anyone who
likes them, no matter what age you are. Eye Kandy's bags make
them unique because they are made out of the actual packages.
It makes them whimsical!
HOW DID IT START?
It started as a hobby during my summer break from LSU. I
always love to do projects around the house, sewing especially.
Since the basic concept started when I was 18, I decided to
apply it to handbags. I attended a craft show and sold them all,
so I persued it further. Pretty soon, I was staying up all night and
going to school during the day. I quite my full time job and
focused on the handbags and school. Once I couldn't juggle the
two, I chose the handbags Why?...I wanted to see where this was
going. I thought, "School will always be there, but when will I get
an opportunity like this?" Eye Kandy handbags are fun, durable
and yes.. we are the originals. We use recycled materials, miss
prints or over runs.
WORST EXPERIENCE?
During Christmas of 2004, I had to stop taking orders in
November, just to supply to the online customers and to some
retail stores. Basically, I ran out of time. I stayed up for 56 hours,
shipped everything out, and had to ship out an order for a store
before Christmas. I shipped out on Dec. 23, cost $100.00....let's
just say I didn't get that back and I was worn out! I've learned to
limit myself.
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
I never imagined that this would be the hardest challenge I have
encountered in my life. My greatest achievement is keeping this
dream afloat, balancing your personal life, job and your
upcoming business. Its worth it now, because I think it might
come into fruition. I really hope it does. The greatest
achievement truly is going to trade shows with a line that is
officially licensed.
What is your name?
Rebecca Gomez-Autin
Where are you from?
Guatemala City, Guatemala & Buras, Louisiana
Where do you live now?
Baton Rouge, LA
How old are you?
26
Do you have a design background?
Yes, some college
What year where your bags born?
2003
Bag Brand Name?
Eye Kandy Designs
Where can a shopper buy your bags?
www.eyekandyonline.com
For more information contact?
www.eyekandyonline.com
STORY:
Eye Kandy handbags are constructed out of candy wrappers,
beer boxes, cereal boxes, juice pouches, chip bags and other
unusual materials. All inspired by popular culture, everyday
imagery and recycling. The Eye Kandy line is extensive, and I am
ready to enter the market. This whole concept started when I was
18 years old. The idea of using every day things, recycling and
pop culture is something all teens, and young adults and
basically anyone can relate to. No matter what age, race, etc,
everyone relates to the food they eat and the memories they
hold. This is why I think makes Eye Kandy so unique. My target
audience is tweens, teenagers and young adults or anyone who
likes them, no matter what age you are. Eye Kandy's bags make
them unique because they are made out of the actual packages.
It makes them whimsical!
HOW DID IT START?
It started as a hobby during my summer break from LSU. I
always love to do projects around the house, sewing especially.
Since the basic concept started when I was 18, I decided to
apply it to handbags. I attended a craft show and sold them all,
so I persued it further. Pretty soon, I was staying up all night and
going to school during the day. I quite my full time job and
focused on the handbags and school. Once I couldn't juggle the
two, I chose the handbags Why?...I wanted to see where this was
going. I thought, "School will always be there, but when will I get
an opportunity like this?" Eye Kandy handbags are fun, durable
and yes.. we are the originals. We use recycled materials, miss
prints or over runs.
WORST EXPERIENCE?
During Christmas of 2004, I had to stop taking orders in
November, just to supply to the online customers and to some
retail stores. Basically, I ran out of time. I stayed up for 56 hours,
shipped everything out, and had to ship out an order for a store
before Christmas. I shipped out on Dec. 23, cost $100.00....let's
just say I didn't get that back and I was worn out! I've learned to
limit myself.
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
I never imagined that this would be the hardest challenge I have
encountered in my life. My greatest achievement is keeping this
dream afloat, balancing your personal life, job and your
upcoming business. Its worth it now, because I think it might
come into fruition. I really hope it does. The greatest
achievement truly is going to trade shows with a line that is
officially licensed.
Handbag Designer 101
Copyright © December 2007
Copyright © December 2007