Name of your website?hothothandbagsandtotes
Your name?
Joan
Your Location (city, etc)
Milford
Please give us a short summary of your website?
We offer a collection high quality, fashion forward and classic carrying apparel: handbags, tote bags, duffel bags, laptop and computer carrying cases and totes, backpacks, briefcases, messenger bags, hobos, evening bags, and small accessories. Our bags are made of fine leather from Italy and Argentina, man made tech materials, exotic leather, fabric, and recycled sailcloth.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
My sister and I are fashion babies. You might say we are fashionistas in that we LOVE fashion, grew up in retail clothing (our family owned women's apparel specialty stores in Connecticut). And, we have been designers, consumers and collectors of fashion accessories for years! My sister was a clothing designer on Seventh Avenue in New York. I am a painter and printed textile designer. Together, we operated our award winning licensing design studio in New York for 25 years. We are simply pursuing our passion by making a website devoted to great handbags. There's going to be more too. Stay tuned!
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
About four years ago, we launched www.saloomey.com. And three years ago, we launched www.shopsicle.com. Saloomey.com is a portfolio of my own art made into limited editions of Giclee prints. Shopsicle offers all kinds of very sophisticated home furnishings accessories, articles packed with interior design info and stories about our (my two sisters and me) first childhood experiences with art and design.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
It wasn't easy. In today's jargon, "hothot" just fits. It's descriptive, in that it describes the direction we are headed. We were lucky no one else took it.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
Probably our personal touch. We have only just begun, we're not even a week old yet. We have a definite taste, "fashiony" yet practical. We are strict about quality and fine craftmanship. Our website reflects those values.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
At this point, we haven't the slightest idea. Like all entrepreneurs, we're excited about growing businesses.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
I'll let you know.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
Not sure. We have imaginations that would marry well to an unlimited budget, however, sometimes people with gobs of money to invest, get lost in bells and whistles.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
From your mouth to God's ears. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. We've learned to live one day at a time. I'm grateful to have gotten this far.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
I have expected the costs. There are so many details. You have to be detail oriented, and a megalomaniac multi tasker.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I'm learning the technology of putting up websites myself. I am not a "techy" by nature, so it's been amazing. Also, I am accustomed to doing things with pen, paint, and paper. Tranferring it to clicking buttons is new and actually fun.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Don't know yet for this one. In the past, we have done well with pay per click and good optimization.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
I thought it was going to be easier.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
"If" is not an option. I've learned a lot operating a website. It's a process, a work in progress, not a destination. If something isn't working, you find what does work.
What do you suggest to other people who want to have a website?
Decide what your passion is, and your core strength. Don't just put up an arbitrary website. Remember, putting up and maintaining a website requires work and attention, like any business. If you love your business, it'll seem like play. Also, research the viability of your product and make sure you have a market.
What is your website address?
hothothandbagsandtotes
