Meet Nicole Tripp of Simply9 Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Tripp.

Nicole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I love to design stylish, functional & fun handmade handbags. With years of sewing and designing experience, I decided to launch Simply9 Designs founded in May 2016. I have been sewing since I was a little girl (so yes a long time, lol). My mom used to always have me doing something crafty, but sewing was always a passion. Having the ability to customize something unique just for me was not only fun but also rewarding, so I figured why not share the love. My son is my greatest motivation and because of him Simply9 Designs truly came to life. The name was developed as an honor to my son as well as filling a need I now had more than ever.

“Simply” came from simply needing a stylish, functional & fun handbag that I could take from day to night. “9” is from my son and I both having our birthdays on the 9th. So in honor of him and the drive he provided Simply9 Designs was born.

I realized that working and busy women everywhere are looking for a bag that looks stylish and trendy on the outside while super functional on the inside. Busy women truly understand the importance of having a bag you can transition from your workday to your duties in the evening, to the fun outings at night. Simply9 Design bags are multi-functional and can be used as work bags, diaper bags, travel bags, laptop/iPad bags, vacation totes, a stylish clutch, small wristlet/wallet, cute makeup bag or just be that cute bag you take out at night.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Building anything great I feel takes time. I not only have a full-time day job, but also as a single mother to a fun and active 3-year-old little boy. I say that to say my challenge has been putting in the time I would like into the business. I have overcome this challenge by taking it one project or task at a time. I have decided to commit to making this business my full-time job so I have a journal that I keep that has all my future ideas on how to grow my business. Every day I pick a project I can take on and work to get it done.

Simply9 Designs – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
At Simply9 Designs, you will always find a great selection of large handbags, diaper bags, work bags, stylish totes, clutches, crossbody bags, hobo bags, wallets and makeup bags. I am 100% hands-on and carefully select all the fabrics, design every style you see, cut fabrics, sew the handbags, take all photographs, and ensure all items are packaged with care for shipping. Every part of the process is handled with attention to details, checked for quality, and if you are not 100% satisfied, neither and I!

In addition to my collection of items, I always welcome custom orders. I actually look forward to working with my clients to come up with a unique bag all their own.

I do realize that women aren’t the only ones out there that are busy, so stay tuned because I plan to soon include bags for men and children.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
The number one way I measure success is the feedback I receive from my customers. Nothing brings me more joy then getting a review or even a message from a customer saying how much they love their bag. I especially get a thrill out of custom orders and hearing that someone was able to relate to me their idea and receive their dream bag.

Another way I measure success is by the growth in sales of my overall business. I come from a sales background so it’s natural for me to always look at the numbers and statistics. For instance, although I still have a lot more to do in growing my sales, I can see that I have already doubled and in some cases tripled my sales from last year.

Pricing:

• Prices will vary items cost between 14.99 up to 189.99

Contact Info:

• Address: Richmond, TX
• Website: www.simply9designs.com
• Phone: 925.586.5606
• Email: simply9designs@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/simply9designs/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/simply9designs/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/simply9designs

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