We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kathleen Cisarik. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kathleen below.
Kathleen , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Starting KMC Handbags as a business venture in the Spring of 2018 was more than just a business idea. It all started from sewing individual, custom-made handbags…and here we are years later with our own manufacturer producing my initial handbag designs.
It all began with always dreaming how to sew and owning my own business. I knew it was important to gain experience in the fashion industry, preferably from an established designer. In the midst of COVID-19, I realized it was the perfect opportunity to establish KMC Handbags as an LLC and start researching manufacturers.
I taught myself how to sew through watching videos, where the ideas and creativity began to flow. Between choosing fabrics, designing, and the first handbag, KMC began and has since been an integral part of my life. That being said, I found my purpose through discovering sewing as a new hobby that turned into my passion of designing unique, high-quality handbags that are both affordable and timeless. Several broken needles and spools of thread later, I learned I was hooked on designing custom made handbags.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
What do I do?
I wear many hats within KMC Handbags! From hand-selecting unique fabrics, creating marketing content & email campaigns, to packing and fulfilling orders, KMC is an all-hands-on-deck production! It is most definitely a 24-hour job that is very rewarding! I learn something new every single day throughout the journey.
What would you like people to know about your brand?
KMC Handbags is a local, women-owned small business based in Austin, Texas. KMC is known to produce limited quantities of unique handbags, making each handbag special to each customer. Our handbags are made of unique & high-quality vegan leathers and snakeskins accompanied by beautiful, trending interior fabrics, setting us apart from other brands.
What is new about your brand?
KMC is proud to have the opportunity to participate in several markets in the state of Texas. Whether it’s a large market of 250+ vendors or a pop-up in a local store, each event has brought so much joy to see loyal customers bring their friends to stop by to see the new designs, especially wearing their KMC Handbag. It is very touching to hear from clients in person how much joy their KMC handbag has brought them.
We launched The First Collection in March of 2022 and have launched several collections thereafter. We now have many products in addition to our staple styles. Our newest handbag is The Clear Crossbody. The Clear Crossbody is not only stadium & concert approved, but also unique and versatile. It took almost a year to perfect The Clear Crossbody to its fullest potential. While incorporating vegan leathers and fringe, we have created the most versatile, unique, high-end and affordable stadium-approved, clear handbag on the market!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Flexibility and organizational skills are key. You must set your priorities and goals as everything on your list will get done in proper time. Having faith, confidence & belief behind your product and brand is extremely important. I am happy that I took the leap of faith and began to build my business. Every day is a new adventure when managing all the different moving parts of the business and learning how it contributes to making KMC Handbags successful.
Being persistent in connecting with manufacturers, vendors, fulfillment & marketing your product is necessary. I strive to fulfill each order in a timely manner, while marketing KMC Handbags on social media platforms daily.
Self-care through prayer, exercise and time spent with friends & family is essential in completing a well-rounded business. At some point, you need to take time for yourself, mentally and physically, to aid burnout. I quickly learned the importance of work-life balance. Each day begins by exercising to give me the energy and enthusiasm to start my busy workday by prioritizing my schedule.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Initially markets and pop-ups can be very overwhelming due to the tight timeframe of scheduling & the unknown. I have found once we experience a market and KMC has the opportunity to participate once again, the market process runs efficiently. Each market is unique and different involving check-in, the loading dock, move-in, set up & break-down. Once that experience is gained, you are set!
Contact Info:
- Website: kmchandbags.com
- Instagram: @kmchandbags
- Facebook: @kmchandbags
- Linkedin: Kathleen Cisarik
- Other: Email: hello@kmchandbags.com
