Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carole Murphy, founder, and CEO of Purse for the People, located in Butte, MT, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We manufacture and sell customized handbags that are eco friendly and assembled in the US. Each bag is personalized by customers using our bespoke software online and made from sustainable materials. Our tagline is "Created by Communities, Customized by You”, because we are working with teams of indigenous artisans from the rainforest of Borneo to help conserve the forests.  The rattan requires the rainforest to be intact for its growth, so we are helping to create positive economic pressures to keep the forest intact.

Tell us about yourself

Dr. Carole Murphy is from Montana. An equestrian rider, Carole attended Chico State to study Agricultural Business and ride competitively on the CSU Equestrian Team. After teaching Earth Science for a year in Potomac, Maryland, Carole entered the University of Maryland Dental School graduating with her Doctorate.
Carole completed her residency and based her dental practice in California, where, staying close to her rancher roots, she purchased a raisin farm and bred horses.
Since Carole’s grandmother, Bee, taught her to sew as a child, she has been captivated by fashion. Carole’s love of nature, style, and sustainable business practices come together as – Purse for the People, a Montana Benefit Corporation. She also hosts Heart Stock Radio, a public radio program and podcasts that features the stories of social entrepreneurs. Carole believes social enterprise has the power to transform our impact on people and planet for good.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Launching the company on 3/20/22.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Time and money...… having enough of both as we are self-funded.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Hire the best people to help you who have experience working in your niche.
  2. Create a unique product that has a great sustainability story.
  3. Work with people who believe in you and your product.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://purseforthepeople.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purseforthepeople
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purse4thepeople/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Purse4thePeople
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolemurphydds/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.