Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Richard.
Hi Katie, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a 40-year-old Mom of two amazing kids and wife to a wonderful husband, living in the Midwest. I started my business Anchor Bags in June 2021.
So how did Anchor Bags come to be? Well, what started as me wanting to create a toiletry bag for a problem I was trying to solve, turned into so much more.
As I began to research how to create a product, digesting every article, podcast, and website out there, I came across an impactful documentary “The True Cost”. The documentary highlights the unethical and heart-wrenching truth about fast fashion and grounded me in my mission, creating meaningful products that my customers can hold onto throughout their journey.
As I continued on this voyage and created my prototype, I realized that although this endeavor started with designing a “unicorn” toiletry bag, I wanted to create an inspiring product line, with a collection of merchandise to reach all women.
Anchor Bags exists to remind you to Be Your Own Anchor in life and stay true to who you are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
During this journey I have encountered a few challenges.The first challenge was my lack of design and sewing background. Early on I took a sewing class to see if I could create my own prototype, but quickly learned that wasn’t the right approach and I wasn’t the best sewer Thankfully I found a local seamstress that was able to help me and he did a beautiful job!
Another challenge was trying to find an ethical manufacturer within the US or internationally. Sadly, this is more difficult than you think. Thankfully I have been lucky to find ethical apparel manufacturers through other business owners and found the most amazing local artist to make my bags.
I realize the challenges I have experienced (and will continue to experience) are a part of the journey and help me grow as a business owner. If starting a business was easy, I’m not sure I would feel as fulfilled and proud of all that I have overcome.
As you know, we’re big fans of Anchor Bags, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Anchor Bags creates ethical and cruelty-free products that support our customers throughout their journey, while also supporting the artisans behind them. With each creation we weave encouraging words within, to empower who you are and what you are capable of.
Our wish is that the products we create are not only reliable and functional but also contribute to the well-being of our customers, artisans, and community.
We currently sell lightweight and versatile bags such as the wristlet and crossbody, as well as inspiring tees, sweatshirts and custom prints.
Each month we select an organization that supports mental health and we donate 5% of our profits.
Why mental health organizations? Well in addition to ensuring our products are made ethically with cruelty-free material, we also want to ensure we are creating products that support our customers and make them feel good about themselves. Mental health is an important topic in our world today, and has been something I personally have struggled with throughout my life. If we can make a product that helps someone feel good about themselves or donate to an organization supporting those struggling with mental illness, we are living our purpose.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most is the products that we create are made by artists being paid a living wage and being treated with kindness and dignity.
What matters most is our products being cruelty-free.
What matters most is giving back to our community, specifically organizations supporting mental health.
What matters most is our customers feeling proud of our products and feeling loved wearing them.
What matters most is every single person involved in our business from the makers, to the customers, to our community, know they matter and belong.
Contact Info:
- Email: youranchorbags@gmailcom
- Website: www.youranchorbags.
com - Instagram: youranchorbags
- Facebook: youranchorbags
- Twitter: youranchorbags
Image Credits:
Bridget Moran
Cassie McKenzie Taylor
