Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Winkler Chapman.
Joy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The idea for Poet and Joy started (as so many inspired ideas do!) over champagne at a girls’ happy hour about three years ago. My current business partner, Melynda Poet, was carrying a hands-free purse that a friend had brought her years ago from Italy. We were all going gaga over how convenient the design was!
After tossing around some ideas, Mel and I realized we could design a bag that was cuter, more functional, and more affordable. So, we dove head-first to this adventure. We had no clue where to begin, and just started researching and asking questions of anyone and everyone who knew anything about accessories or manufacturing. It’s really amazing how the doors started to open, and it quickly became clear that we were on a winning path.
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 hasn’t always been a smooth road. I think any small business just starting out faces many challenges and it’s easy to get distracted and disheartened. It’s important to have a clear vision of what you are creating with your business:
- How will it benefit your clients?
- How will it contribute to the lives of you and your family?
- How can your business give back to the community?
For me, keeping my vision for the business in mind and in my heart, keeps me on track when the going gets rough.
Specifically challenging for Poet + Joy was the fact that neither “Poet” nor “Joy” had any previous experience in the fashion industry. I came from a background in yoga and fitness, and before that, mechanical engineering. My business partner, Mel Poet, comes from a career in interior design. When we first started out, we were armed with tons of enthusiasm, a great concept, and zero clue about where to begin.
Please tell us about Poet + Joy.
We design fashion accessories, but we are also about helping clients express their style and individuality with a purse that is fun, smart, and very chic.
Our initial design, and what we are best known for, is our Wrist Wrap clutch. It’s received enormously positive feedback because of its innovative hands-free design. You can slip it on your wrist and forget about it. You don’t have to worry that you’re going to set your purse down and lose it, plus you have your hands free to socialize, hold a glass of wine, and just generally be fabulous!
I’m so proud of the momentum and popularity we are gaining in offering women an eye-catching, fashion-forward design at an affordable price. I believe that you don’t have to break the bank to look stunning!
What is your proudest moment in your business so far?
It’s actually happened several times that I’ve been at an event or out-and-about in Houston and see someone I don’t even know rocking one of my wrist wrap clutches and of course, looking fabulous! At an event, I’m thinking of in particular, friends of a friend were gushing over a lady’s Poet + Joy purse and didn’t even know it was my company. That was fun to be a fly on the wall and get to see people’s enthusiastic, honest, and extremely favorable response to our design!
Another proud moment was recently being named the Labor Day go-to bag by the Huffington Post. It’s so exciting to be getting national attention.
Specific events aside, what inspires me on a daily basis is the strong, beautiful women that wear Poet + Joy. I’m so proud that our designs can provide the finishing touch in expressing their flawless style and fierce individuality!
Pricing:
- Poet + Joy Wrist Wrap Clutch = $49
- Poet + Joy Wrist Wrap Clutch with Rose Gold “Bag Swag” Tassel and Charms = $66
Contact Info:
- Website: www.poetandjoy.com
- Phone: 713.819.9390
- Email: info@poetandjoy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/poetandjoy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/poetandjoy
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/poetandjoy
Image Credit:
Quy Tran
Kenny Braun
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston 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.
