Submitted by Ashley Cox on | 1 Comments
Lousiville, Kentucky's Emily Gimmel is not only a rock-star TV reporter, but she's also a new (incredibly chic) designer and entrepreneur, serving as founder of of GRACESHIP a company that creates stunning laptop bags for women. Her success came from a healthy dose of determination, a few risks, and a major go-getter attitude. She now has the satisfaction of knowing her personal and practical need for a travel bag has turned into global, must-have, accessory. A little disclaimer for all of us who have the travel bug or are regularly on business trips: after reading this week's #SmallBizSpotlight you will probably justify your need for Gimmel's bag for your next journey. Enjoy the ride and take home a GRACESHIP tote in your favorite style today!
What inspired you to get started?
Every computer bag seemed too masculine, too sporty or just tacky! I began visualizing the perfect product that could enhance my mobile lifestyle and my wardrobe. I wanted something I could carry both to the office or to drinks and dinner.
Soon I found myself quitting my TV career, moving home and setting out to design, create and sell my own brand. I’ve always enjoyed enlightening and connecting with people and creating things, whether it is stories or products. But being able to do it on my terms to tell my story was a dream of mine. At GRACESHIP, I create products for women going places, figuratively and literally.
What was your background? Was it in what you were doing now?
I grew up in the beautiful Louisville, Ky with a entrepreneurial family and a passion for journalism. In high school I began making a name for myself as a contributing reporter on teen issues for the local news station WAVE-TV while simultaneously hosting a daily radio show for 98.9 KISS FM. I even became the state's first CNN Student News Bureau certified reporter.
I grew up in the beautiful Louisville, Ky with a entrepreneurial family and a passion for journalism. In high school I began making a name for myself as a contributing reporter on teen issues for the local news station WAVE-TV while simultaneously hosting a daily radio show for 98.9 KISS FM. I even became the state's first CNN Student News Bureau certified reporter.
After college I pursued a career in journalism and celebrity reporting which took me all over the U.S. After years of hard work, I found myself interviewing celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher and Kim Kardashian as an entertainment reporter in Las Vegas and appearing as a cast member of the show Southern Belles Louisville on SOAPNet. A life quite different than the one I live now.
Realizing a need for a fashionable laptop bag for women after a layover in the Atlanta airport 2008, I left the lifestyle of an on camera media personality
and focused on building a global business back in my hometown. I began designing a line of bags and preparing a business plan that would eventually become GRACESHIP in 2012, giving women everyw
here a laptop bag they could feel and look great carrying.
What challenge have you had to face that led to a big growth for your company?
The idea is definitely the easy part, when it comes to starting a business. Creating a product out of thin air and bringing it into tangible light with no experience was the biggest challenge I have ever endured in my life. But after overcoming all the obstacles of a product and company development, all the hard work pays off when your dream finally becomes a reality. Nothing is more gratifying than the feeling you get after generating your first sale. It is incredibly fulfilling to know that people want to pay you money for your idea.
The idea is definitely the easy part, when it comes to starting a business. Creating a product out of thin air and bringing it into tangible light with no experience was the biggest challenge I have ever endured in my life. But after overcoming all the obstacles of a product and company development, all the hard work pays off when your dream finally becomes a reality. Nothing is more gratifying than the feeling you get after generating your first sale. It is incredibly fulfilling to know that people want to pay you money for your idea.
What do you have going on in your business right now that you're excited about?
We're growing, especially internationally, and people are taking notice! Just seeing how the hard work of my company has really payed off is so exciting.
Our efforts in marketing and public relations from the past year are coming to life and more news sites and magazines are checking us out.To see my bags being shipped to France, Australia, England and so many more countries shows a simple idea can have a global impact.
Where would you love to see your business in 5 years?
I dream of GRACESHIP becoming the authority for women in tech and travel accessories. My business is such a unique niche market and as we continue to grow and expand the brand recognition with also grow.
I have so many new ideas to advance women's tech and travel fashion that I would love to see come to life. As we continue to expand I can't wait to allow these products to be born.
Category:
Comments
where in new yo... replied on Permalink
one. Gibson Les Paul
one. Gibson Les Paul Customary - Horny, regular and unchanged, this primary pick delivers the power and punch which has been noticed by the high rock and roll bands in background. Sporting dual humbucker pickups, this guitar's seems is like that of a 1960's muscle car.
where in new york sells canada goose http://www.lisakron.com/goose-parka/where-in-new-york-sells-canada-goose...