Business advice I didn't take

+ Mara Bag styling and button down shirts 101

Sep 27, 2024

This week, we launched a new bag that was designed in collaboration with Natalie Borton Designs. It’s called the Mara Bag, and I couldn’t be more proud of how this bag turned out for many reasons.

Click over to the app to read this one (too many pics to fit in your email). I’m going to tell you a story about a sticky situation that occurred early on in my business - in about 2016/2017, and how it came full circle with Natalie this year. It’s a really good story. But if you don’t have time to read it, also in this post is:

Mara Bag styling
Button Downs 101 - all my tried and true favorites!

The Full Circle Story

In 2014, I worked part-time as an ambassador for a fair trade jewelry company. It was my first introduction to entrepreneurship because I was in charge of generating sales in order to make commission. So many good lessons!

This opportunity came at the perfect time for me when I was fresh off of teaching in Tanzania and the wheels were turning in my head about starting a business selling artisan made goods. I worked for this company for about two years, and then in 2016, I decided the time was right to start my own business working with people I knew in Tanzania and Kenya. (By this time I had traveled back to Tanzania several more times.)

Right before I launched my business, I was in Uganda with the fair trade jewelry company visiting artisans they work with. To be completely forthright, I had already told the founders of the company that I was going to start my own venture, not because I needed to, but because I value honesty and transparency. They reacted with excitement and wished me well…at first.

In 2017, several months after I launched my business (and stopped working for the other fair trade company), the Ugandan artisan group reached out to me to see if I would be interested in working with them to develop exclusive designs.

My first thought was - I’d love to! The more work for the artisan group the better, right? I wondered if I should ask the fair trade jewelry company though. I was no longer an ambassador for them so it wouldn’t be a conflict of interest, but I didn’t want them to think I went behind their backs. I had no contractual obligations, but in my heart I knew I wanted to be transparent and honor our relationship. So I sent the founder a message letting her know that the Ugandan artisans had approached me and I asked for her blessing to move forward. What do you think she said?

The long and short of it - she said no.

To some extent I get it. Your producers are a highly important piece of your business. Some may say it’s proprietary. I know I wouldn’t give away that information to just anyone. I’ve gotten plenty of business advice saying exactly that.

The no isn’t what bothered me. What rubbed me the wrong way was how this founder had been, for years, preaching an abundance mentality and the need for women to empower and support other women, and yet her actions were just the opposite. Not only did she disempower me, she disempowered the very artisans she wanted to see flourish.

As I was in the very early stages of my business, I knew I didn’t want to lead or live like that.

Fast forward to 2024. I was traveling back to Kenya for the 13th time, and this time I had invited two women to join me - both female entrepreneurs and one in the very same space, an accessories designer, Natalie Borton. I’ll be totally honest. The thought crossed my mind, “what if one or both of these women wants to work with my partners?” And it made me nervous. I was immediately brought back to 2017. I had to ask myself why that thought made me nervous.

Natalie and me in Kenya working on the Mara Bag

The truth is - it was all fear-based, hypothetical, worst-case scenarios. What if the designs are so similar to mine it makes me irrelevant? What if my partners start prioritizing their orders and I can’t get what I need? I’m embarrassed to even type those thoughts!

So then I asked myself, what’s true? I love and trust my artisan business partners. I respect and trust the two women I invited to come with me. So the more likely scenario? Everyone will win when we all support each other.

And can you guess what happened?

Natalie asked if she could start a working relationship with one of my partners! Having been there myself, it was an obvious yes from me. And it’s such a good thing for Natalie’s business and for our partner’s business…and it doesn’t take away one bit from my own!

For those feeling skeptical that this can work, I hear you. If Natalie had started making jewelry or bags with my partner (categories I’m in), it might have gotten a little more complicated, but even then, I’d like to think we’d work it out!

It’s really beautiful to find other women who truly want what’s best for you (and you for them) and who live out the belief that a rising tide lifts all boats. You get what you give in life - so why not lead with love?

Whenever I carry the Mara Bag, a bag made possible by three woman-owned businesses, I’ll be reminded that we’re truly better together.

What do you think? Did I do the right thing? Or would you have done something different?

Mara Bag Styling

Now that the Mara Bag has launched, I thought I’d share how Natalie and I have been wearing both colors. I love how neutral the olive is - it’s so good with all shades of denim. And the black is so classically elevated - perfect for any evening out. And the brass handle is the chef’s kiss! It’s handcrafted and hollow, which means it’s super lightweight. Click here for more outfit inspo with the Mara Bag and click here to shop!

Button Down 101

I’ve been wearing button downs almost everyday lately…especially when I don’t feel like thinking about what to wear. They are the perfect way to instantly feel dressed while still being comfortable and chill. So I thought I’d share my tried and true favorites!1

Alex Mill - I have the Jo Shirt in striped cotton poplin, and it’s probably the one I grab the most. In fact, I’m wearing it right now with black jeans. And as I said in the fall capsule post, I am very close to getting it in pine needle or maroon.
Able - the Harris shirt is the perfect oversized button down. I wear it open as a layer or buttoned up. They are currently having an anniversary sale, so it’s a great deal!
Sezane - I got this men’s denim shirt recently and love it. I took a size small, but could have sized up to a medium for a more relaxed fit.
Mirth - I have the Kyoto Blouse in Ocean Stripe. It’s lightweight and oversized in the best way. Super versatile. I wouldn’t be above getting this style in multiple colors because it’s so useful. I also have the Harbour Blouse, which is such a lovely surprise, though not your traditional button down. I wondered if it would feel too preppy for me, but it doesn’t. I love it!
Vincent James (linen) - I get compliments every time I wear this one. I’ll probably get it in another color at some point, but the white is fabulous.
AYR - I have The Deep End in a color they don’t have anymore, but this is a very classic fit. They currently have it in white, Oxford blue, and denim. Can’t go wrong with this one. I’d say it’s most similar to the Able’s in feel, though Able’s is a little more oversized than this one.
Xirena - The Channing Shirt the best lightweight, short-sleeved button down. Ever.
LMND - I’m obsessed with the way this cotton feels - it’s so airy and good. I’m not seeing the navy that I have, but they do have lots of colors to choose from.
Everlane - I have their Oxford Shirt in black and have had it for years. It’s a classic and a great price.
Vintage RL - you can never go wrong with these, but it can be hard to find one in your size. I like Na Nin, Etsy, or Preservation for good vintage anything.

Business advice I didn't take

+ Mara Bag styling and button down shirts 101

The Full Circle Story

Mara Bag Styling

Button Down 101

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