Today we’d like to introduce you to Ginger Bunn.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been a maker, a creator, a designer. Whether it is through formal education or self-taught tinkering, I have always enjoyed exploring new creative outlets. Years ago, I pulled out my old sewing machine and slowly started playing. I found that I loved to design and sew handbags. After sewing countless samples, I ultimately refined my designs into a saleable product. I spent the first few years sewing all of the bags myself, launching an Etsy shop and hosting trunk shows. But at my core, I knew I wanted to turn this hobby into a creative philanthropic company. One that would satisfy my design pursuits, build community and help others by giving back.
I had in my heart that I wanted to provide sewing jobs for other women, but had no idea where to begin. Not coincidentally, one day I randomly woke up unable to use my left arm, and therefore was unable to sew for many months. I had two options: to shut down everything, or finally pursue production partners and makers to grow Bevy. Passionate about supporting entrepreneurial women, I purposefully sought talented stitchers in the US, where we could both benefit from working together. A bevy of women lifting each other up.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been many ups and downs while building and growing Bevy. The struggles always seem much bigger and harder when you are going through them. But in retrospect, can actually be the catalyst for growth. For example, I knew I wanted to provide sewing jobs for other women, but because I didn’t know how to go about finding these partnerships, I let fear hold me back and continued to sew everything myself. It took physically not being able to sew to push me to pursue my mission and seek out sewing relationships.
For those starting your journey, stay focused on your What and Why, but flexible with your How and When. Keep your mission as motivation to persevere. For me, finding makers took over a year with many false starts and failed samples, but was worth it because it led to the partnerships and products I have today.
I am also a big believer that everything is temporary. Designs get updated through product testing and feedback, photos are so quickly replaced or scrolled past, newsletters are quickly deleted. You can’t get caught up in perfection, because then nothing will ever be completed.
Entrepreneurship involves humility to seek mentorship, guidance and wisdom from people who are further along in the process. Ask a lot of questions and learn as much as you can from others. But also have confidence to not be intimidated. Everyone is constantly shifting and growing and learning. Not just you.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bevy Goods – what should we know?
We create ethical luxury handbags that you can carry from day to night. All materials are responsibly sourced. We use premium leathers that are overstock to help reduce the environmental impact of leather production. This allows for small batch limited edition designs (due to the limited leather), as well as more frequent product launches.
Our makers are the heart of Bevy Goods, each with their own story. Our leather bags are handcrafted in Maine. For our fabric bags, we partnered with a sewing non-profit that trains and employs refugees that have resettled in Tennessee. And our dust covers are made from upcycled and recycled materials (including cords and toggles from ski patrol jackets), by a great sewing non-profit in Colorado that empowers women transitioning off of public assistance.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I am grateful cultural changes are taking place that are allowing women to pursue and succeed in any endeavor. And we have the opportunity to build community and help one another, within our companies and as entrepreneurs. It is the heart of my mission with Bevy, bags created for women, by women. It is also crucial that women come alongside others creating businesses, to share wisdom and advice and to encourage.
Contact Info:
- Website: bevygoods.com
- Email: ginger@bevygoods.com
- Instagram: @bevygoods
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bevygoodsforgood
- Twitter: @bevygoods
Image Credit:
Headshot by Cara Soulia Photography
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