Today we’d like to introduce you to Sage Aubrey.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sage. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After the collapse of the economy in ’09, I made a difficult decision to close my local and online retail businesses.
I took a year off to travel the world with my husband and focus on charitable work. We traveled across SE Asia & teamed up with local organizations whom helped victims of sex trafficking. The strength of the woman & girls whom I had met throughout my travel refueled my passion to get back to work to find a way to help elevate women globally.
I began my research in 2011 and started sampling bags in 2012. After many failed samples in the US – I found myself in the Dominican Republic with another not so favorable manufacturing partner- fatefully I met a seasoned designer at the manufacturing plant in the DR who advised me that I need to be in Italy building my collection. The designer made an introduction for me to a manufacturer that he knew in Italy. I was pretty much on the next flight to Italy trying to convince the manufacturer to take a chance on me. They did. I officially launched my first collection in 2015. We we’re discovered by Bloomingdales ME Merchandising manager in 2016.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have dealt with a number of obstacles. The fashion industry is notoriously a closed industry- so doors are not opened for you – you have to literally bust down doors to get in. I am a self-taught – I could have saved my self a lot of time & money by going to Fashion school. The fashion industry is a male dominated industry – so I have not been taken seriously A LOT. There is a 90-degree learning curb so for many years, I was basically just making mistakes and learning the lesson. 90% of the time you are running a business and finding solutions to problems rather than designing. Designing on paper is one thing- bringing something to life and making it beautiful takes time. My greatest Piece of advice is to stay patient and committed & IGNORE ALL THE NAYSAYERS & JERKS ALONG THE WAY!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SAGE AUBREY – what should we know?
SAGE AUBREY is an American Fashion Designer, who launched her eponymous handbag brand in 2015. The brand is best known for its functional geometric designs, clean aesthetic and rich craftsmanship detail. SA presents the highest quality Italian made products with great attention to material, detail, and design.
As a no-name, self-taught designer with no connections in the industry I am proud to be where I am today!! I am the business owner who does the happy dance of gratitude when someone buys one of my bags! I am so connected to my customers, they are my friends and family – and that is my favorite part – I just love my growing lil community and want to do right by them- without their support, I would not be here.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I love the Girl Boss Pod-Cast. Book: Half the Sky (inspired my year off to help oppressed women globally). If I need some motivation I go on YouTube and watch Tony Robbins.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4400 North Scottsdale Road
Suite 9-742
Scottsdale, AZ 85251 - Website: www.sageaubrey.com
- Phone: 480-772-0956
- Email: info@sageaubrey.com
- Instagram: Thesageaubrey
Image Credit:
Eva Longoria to @evalongoria
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