I have had the best time getting to know all about the inventors of this important product that's cleaning up the Earth one grocery bag at a time.
In 2007, I was standing in line at my local market when I realized that, once again, I had forgot my reusable bag! I thought how great it would be if I had a bag that could be small enough to be stored in my purse. I got home, called Dawn and said "I have an idea..."she said "uh, what's new" (haha) and then, "me too". The following week, not knowing each other's idea, we sat down at my kitchen island and whipped out our prototypes. Hers was a cute version of the cheap, polypropylene grocery bag (the ones with all the advertising on them) and mine was a cut up, taped up version that served as a pathetic starting point for our Everyday Bag. From there, we decided that the next biggest dilemma we had was never having enough reusable bags when shopping for our family... and the CarryAll Tote was born.
Q. How does your product make grocery shopping along with being conscious of the environment easier?
Q. What role does each of you play in the running of the business? Dreamer (me). Doer (Dawn). We really do have a great balance in that Dawn does what I tell her to and she tells me if I can spend money.
Q. What was your experience like in the actual design and manufacturing of your product?
The design part was great. We had a lot of fun and tweaked everything until we were both totally satisfied. Some would say we're still tweaking because one of us in never fully satisfied... but I'm not sayin' who. Choosing the right fabric, colors and patterns is much more difficult than we had ever imagined but thankfully we have similar taste. Manufacturing was even more difficult. We spent over year trying to find a Stateside sewing company but with 7 bags sold together as one set, we found our retail price would exceed $200! We've finally found a trusted vendor and are in full production mode.
Each other, our passion for our product and our husbands wanting to know when they can retire (or at least be "shipping managers"). We have always been recycling, resourceful women with a dream of someday having our own business. Esse is a perfect fit for us both.
Q. What did each of you do prior to your invention?
Dawn was, and still is a part-time business manger for a small courier company. She says that I am an artist (mosaics and interiors). We've both always been pretty involved in our children's school and their many activities and try hard to keep our families as a #1 priority.
Q. What an interesting fact about both of you we wouldn’t know by just talking to you?
Dawn's birthday is 5-5 and mine is 7-7, in the same year. Both our mother's names are Linda. The first time we met each other 17 years ago (right after our 18th birthday...he he) we talked about our desire for owning our own businesses and how cool it would be to do something together, someday. And now, here we are!
You will be able to learn more about Esse Reusable Bags when the new Womentorz site is relaunched on April 1st. You can purchase this product on their website at www.esselife.com.
10 comments:
Cool interview and cool product. Best of luck with the business! Mary Anne
I am SO IMPRESSED! Great interview, gorgeous women and I know, from personal experience, that Holly and Dawn are marketing wonderful products. The energy they put into these bags is unbelieveable. They believe in their Esse products and believe in themselves. Green is the way of the future and they are ready!!
Lynda Antonsen
These two are incredible! As Dawn's daughter I have seen every step of the way, and they never give up. It's an awesome product, and green is the way to go!I love them both dearly, and hope this business becomes all that they hope it to be!!
You are a very sweet daughter. You must be so proud. Dawn and Holly are amazing women with an incredible invention. The secret to success is to never give up when you believe in something and they are testament to that. I feel truly honored to have them part of the Womentorz community.
What a blessing - to be in business with your best friend, have a wonderful product & have fun building the business together. By the way, my hubby thinks the same way and ask - Umm... when do I get paid? LOL! Congratulations Holly & Dawn! Glad to be a fellow Womentorz.
These women are creative, passionate women. They are great models for all of us. They found a useful, green product at a time when we are all trying to save money and preserve our world for our children and grandchildren. I am proud to be one of their customers and admirers. Keep it up Holly and Dawn!
Donelle Tanner
It's a great product! Just used it today at Walmart where they only use plastic bags....Placed my wallet, car keys, and cell in the front pocket and it also became my purse. 2 bags held all my items...they would have used up to 10 plastic bags never to be recycled. Good Luck to those hard working gals that developed a go-green product.
What a great interview. I enjoyed reading about Dawn & Holly and their determination to be green. Their innovation is to be admired. I have been using their bags for some time now and find them to be very handy, sturdy and fashionable. I wish them continued success with their business.
Laurie Thevenot
I have known Holly for many years, and she is one of the most creative people I know. I'm pleased that Holly and Dawn have teamed up to create Esse products. Since my initial purchase, I have used only a few paper or plastic bags. My sister Joyce gave Esse bags as Christmas presents to all her friends and family, and everyone was so pleased to receive such a beautiful and practical gift. I hope the business continues to grow and be successful.
Susan Douma
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