Princess Dominique Interviews Nneka Hurley Handbags
February 11, 2008 – 4:49 pmPosted Under: fashion, interviews
Nneka Hurley birthed her handbag business in 2005. She says she officially started the handbag line while living in Philly. Nneka says that her handbags and clutches really speak to the trendsetting woman and they work well with your daytime looks as well as your hot evening looks. Keyshia Cole, Vivica Foxx, Eve and Angel of Concrete Loop all agree. Although she’s probably up to her ears in fabric, Nneka took a minute to answer a few questions for Princess Dominique Dishes Pop Culture, because we love her stuff and you know we have just got to know more.
Nneka your bags are everywhere. We’ve seen everybody from Eve to Top Model Bre rocking your clutches. What inspired you to launch a business making handbags?
In 2005, while out fabric shopping, I was inspired by a funky print and decided to make a small bag out of it. After receiving several compliments, I made ten more bags and ended up selling them all in one weekend. It was then I had my “Ah-hah” moment. I stepped out on faith and Nneka Hurley Handbags was born.
I’m certain that as a business woman you are proud to see anybody thrilled enough to polish up their outfit with a Nneka Hurley Handbag, but who would you ultimately love to see sporting one of your designs?
Sarah Jessica Parker, Oprah, Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, Halle Berry, Kelis …. the list just goes on and on.
You said funky prints and unique fabrics inspire you, what else inspires you and how do you settle on a name for your bag designs?
Everything inspires me from music to fashion to my culture. To name the bags — I just brainstorm all the things I think of when I look at it. Sometimes I have a theme. Like my Fall/Winter line were all the middle names of friends.
What is the most popular bag you’ve produced? What is price range of your bags and will they be available in stores?
The most popular bag has been the Lynette Bag. The price range is currently $85 to $195. They are presently available by request online but they will be in stores soon.
I’ve got a Lynette Clutch on order and it’s my favorite design out of them all. Would you be willing to or have you ever custom designed a bag for a customer?
Currently, I don’t do many custom orders.
What does faith play in how you run your business? And where do you see Nneka Hurley Handbags in the next three years?
Faith plays a HUGE role in my life and my business. Its what motivates me to pursue my dream. I’m a firm believer that without my faith in God, I would be nowhere. I am thankful that I am able to do something I absolutely love to do, but its not always smooth sailing. You have to pair that faith with hard work and there are days you get discouraged, days you second guess yourself, days that you are just simply tired (especially still having a full time job). Thats when real faith and passion come into play. Its also the reason I now include a note of inspiration in each bag. I feel it adds a special touch and offers my customers a small piece of the faith that has kept me going.
Next month, I will be launching my Spring/Summer 08 line and I’m very excited about that. It includes bright colors, bold prints, and over-sized styles. Over the next three years, I look forward to making my mark in the industry as well as extending my line to leather goods, diaper bags, and travel luggage. I hope to have my bags available all across the country.
You can visit Nneka Hurley Handbags at: nnekahurley.com or log on to her Myspace page at: myspace.com/bagsbynneka.
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