Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion & accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Denise Millen, founder and CEO of Spencer Paige, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Luxury Travel Toiletry Bags, Business Women, Frequent Travelers, Celebrities, Business Men, Influencers. Launching a Kickstarter Campaign Feb 2022.
Tell us about yourself
I was an Event Planner for 20 years and was always dreaming of new shows and ideas. I was traveling overseas to see my son in Australia. With the long trip and staying in different hotels, I needed to get better organized. I went looking for a bag to keep me organized and see my products and that it could actually close while full. I had suffered a concussion causing me to lose my sight in my left eye, making it difficult to find my items without turning my bag into the Big Dig. I came home and started cutting a stapling and designed my own bag, which ended up becoming five different bags for men and women. I asked a friend of mine to sew a sample for me. It took me 17 samples later to get it right. Then I went looking for manufacture in China. That was another challenge I had to overcome. I then applied for a patent and trademark, which was another cash grab and learning curve.
I named the company Destination Bags and had a DB logo, hiring two lawyers to check the name. I received a batch of bags that were not to my satisfaction and a call from Giorgio Armani to cease and desist as my logo was too similar. From that moment on, I had to start all over, but this time I did everything myself, which took a lot longer. Fast-forwarding now, naming the company after my kids Spencer Paige (Spencer is my son, Paige is my daughter's middle name). I am trademarked in North America and Patented in North America and Europe. Have a fantastic credible manufacturer now, my own fabric. My daughter and I work together on creating our brand. I love the excitement every day of learning something new. Now we are launching a Kickstarter (crowdfunding) Campaign soon to find the right niche for our market as well as build our brand. We created our own campaign video and promo video. Which is on YouTube; I can share if you like.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Overcoming so many obstacles. Not an easy thing to do. Thank goodness we figured it out.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balancing the finances and deciding who you can trust to work with. As a small business having to do everything yourself and pay your personal bills as well as company bills.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Strategy, structure, and business plan.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I also have another business working in IP, patents, and trademarks. I had to learn quite a bit about how to trademark and patent a product. So I developed www.ippatentpro.com hoping this would save a lot of other entrepreneurs a lot of time and money. When I started my business, it was unbelievable the charges I was being asked to pay, not knowing which direction to go. Now, I can send entrepreneurs in the right direction.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.spencerpaige.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpencerPaigeOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencerpaigeofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spencerpaige/
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.
