Today we’d like to introduce you to Lea Hallahan.
Lea, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a wife, a mother, and I have a small and satisfying business – making and selling everyday bags for ladies.
I moved to the United States 5 years ago. I left behind a studio in beautiful Prague and a steady marketing career in a top world renown beverage company, I came here to start a brand-new life with my husband and a baby soon to be born. All I took with me was my cat and 3 large boxes. One box was filled with all my fabrics, threads, unfinished projects and projects to be started and… my sewing machine.
I have been sewing ever since I was a child. At first, I sewed to be like my Mom (who is a super crafty lady), and, you know, to get some recognition from my parents. But as a teenager without much money and a desire to be fashionable, I started making my first clothes and bags. Once I started, there was no limit to what I could create. I did not have to compromise on quality, design or price. This is when I discovered the freedom from creating, I gained confidence in expressing myself and learned that what might seem to be a failure can always be re-crafted to something fashionable.
I never stopped. I crafted at nights, I crafted at weekends, I crafted in the public transport, I sneaked crafting into my everyday life. And so, I kept crafting after I moved to the States. And it was only here, in Houston, that I got the idea to start making bags and sell them.
I packed a large carton box with my cosmetic bags and leather accessories. I put my salesperson face on and wanted to visit every possible shop in the area. The very first boutique I visited took half of my stock!
Soon after, the demand picked up and here I am. Having my own brand. Lea Link. I do what I love and I cannot be happier…
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth road? Depends on the optic.
I am a happy warrior. I believe in happiness and lightness of living. I do not pay much attention to blue and unhappy thoughts. I know the bad moments pass and happy moments come in their place. And happiness is what I cherish.
But yes, it was difficult. It is difficult. To start a business on your dining table with limited resources for research, positioning, outsourcing, building sales channels or any marketing activities whatsoever? Yes. This is very difficult.
On the other hand, this is what makes me proud. I’ve started with my bare hands and my own design ideas and supportive family and friends.
There are hours that I put into each and every bag I make, and I’m so happy to see a growing customer base and to have ladies who not only purchase one or two bags, but 6 of my bags!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lea Link – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I make bags for different occasions, wide audiences and at different price points. My favorite bags, and also the bestselling, are clutches and wristlets.
I work with thick, heavy-duty materials to make long lasting purses. My most commonly used fabrics are upholstery, I love wool and tweed and I also have a few bags from duck canvas. I often combine the fabric with vegan or genuine leather. Most of my bags are constructed from at least 4 layers of different materials.
My bags, just like the ladies that like them, are pretty inside out. My linings are of unexpected colors and patterns.
I’ve had customers opening each of my bags only to choose the one based on lining. What is on the inside matters.
‘Design your own bag’ is by far my best online selling purse. I offer this option for my Clutches and Wristlets. The buyers can choose their own combination of fabric and leather and their own lining too. An option for Hand embroidered inscription is often added for bridesmaid’s clutches. Number of pockets, cross body option, size, color, strap, or personalization, the customer can choose it all…
Often, my shoppers thank me when I make an extra shop visit just to get the perfect fabric to match what they wished for. Little do they know that THIS IS IT. This is what fulfills me and makes me happy. I call that a win-win!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As the business grows, my plans will grow too.
I might start looking into scaling the production without compromising on the ‘handmade’ aspect.
Often I’m being asked about opening my own boutique, but I see the future being online. I will always visit flea markets or craft shows. I learned so much about my customers and what they really want only because I was out there – in the field.
Pricing:
- Wristlet, design your own – starts at $27
- Crossbodies and foldovers – average price $54
- Tote bags – average at $69
- Large messenger bags – $110+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeaLink
- Email: leahallahan@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea_link_bags/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lealinkbags/
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.
