Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Dimouro.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up in Hudson, I fondly remember my mom always sewing. She was a mompreneur before the term became popular and had her studio set up inside our home. We lived on a busy street which provided an opportunity for her to promote the business. She became well-known in town for being the seamstress. My sisters and I would help out and used her remnants to make things. Back then I did not foresee a future in sewing, now I’m excited to be part of the maker’s movement. Locally handmade goods have come full circle and I’m sure my mom would have been thrilled to see this and me sewing. My inspiration? My mom.
I’m a sales person by day and have always sold other people’s products. I always knew that I would one day create and design my own products to sell. Last April, I partnered with a local truck tarp maker in Clinton, MA to utilize his remnant materials. Once I saw the mesh, I knew it would make the perfect beach bag! The colors and weather resistant durability made it idea. I went home after our initial meeting and came up with the design for the beach tote at my kitchen table. I road tested the bag for over a year and attended my first trade show last August. The tote bags were well received and I knew I had to continue pursing my dreams of being a maker and building a business!
I have to say I’ve been truly inspired by the makers community and social media. I have a great group of other makers that encourage and support each other. Everyone from a small shop to other bag makers and makers of different goods. It’s simply amazing to have this support in place to know you’re not going it alone. I’m so thankful for each of them being a resource of support @mermaidsandmadeleines!
My handmade goods are designed to last and incorporate actual items used on a truck tarp, from the D-rings, grommets and seat belt webbing handles. We utilize USA made remnant mesh, fabrics and marine grade vinyl.
I care about the environment and look to eliminate waste in our landfills by partnering with other makers to utilize their remnant materials. Another goal is to incorporate sustainable fabrics and materials in a new line of handmade goods.
Handmade and designed in Massachusetts. Patent Pending.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s not easy starting a business and there are struggles and challenges along the way. I learned quickly that the mesh is made from recycled materials and when woven out the colors are always different. This created a challenge as my original Fall Collection tote bags were a tan color mesh and now I cannot match this color. I’m learning how to use this to my advantage by having a unique product as I can only make a limited quantity in a certain color pattern.
I partner with another maker of the actual woven mesh based in New Hampshire and he owns a plant in Georgia. This is where most woven products are made. My lead time is 1-2 weeks and I would like to bring that down to about a week or less.
I’m working on redesigning my website to clearly communicate the “limited edition” of the color choices on each tote bags. This will be the same for the new Market Tote and Jordan Clutches we launch this year.
Having a sales and retail background helps, however I had to learn about website design, social media, shipping, taxes, trademarks and patents. There is so much to learn to protect yourself and your brand. The internet helps with having to educate yourself on all of these aspects about the business. It’s important to have people that can help you in areas that you don’t have the skill set or expertise.
Please tell us about On the Road Again.
We utilize remnant materials to make fashion forward goods. Our tag line is: Handmade Goods Re/designed for Adventure. Inspired by the durability of the truck tarp which is used on rugged outdoor vehicles everyday, our goods can withstand everyday use by our customers.
I just had a customer message me on a tote bag she recently purchased that travelled 1,900 miles to PEI and Nova Scotia on a camping trip, she wrote to tell me how great the bag was! That makes me very happy and gives me the drive to continue to do what I do.
We take pride in being handmade in Massachusetts. We are unique and different based on the durable materials we use to incorporate into our designs. Even the truck bungee we use to hold the placemats together or synch the tote bag closed is another element that continues with the durable design.
We expanded into table top last year with durable placemats. They are great for both indoor and outdoor use. The nice thing about being made from the durable mesh is that you can keep them outside on the deck or patio! We include a truck bungee so you can store them together and hang them away. They are great for use on a boat too as they can hang away. Durable.Washable.Storable
I’m most proud of our Liberty Tote Bag. It’s very patriotic with red, white & blue mesh, silver seatbelt webbing handles and brass grommets. The mesh was originally created for a trucking company that was hauling out debris at ground zero after 9/11. I’m very respectful to this tragic event and feel very honored to be able to create a tote bag with this mesh. Part of the profits from the sales of this tote will be donated to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from my childhood is traveling during the summer with my mom and siblings. She would always bring us on a day or weekend trip all over New England. I recall running on the dunes of the Cape which is not allowed these day and protected areas. This is probably why I love New England so much and still own the house I grew up in. I have travelled for work in the states, Canada and Internationally but will always call New England my home.
Contact Info:
- Address: On the Road Again
78 River St. Hudson, MA 01749 - Website: www.ontheroadagainbags.com
- Phone: 978-302-7634
- Email: hello@ontheroadagainbags.com
- Instagram: @ontheroadagain_official
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ontheroadagainbags
Image Credit:
@kateaiellodesign
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
