After last week’s blog regarding the Olympics and what lessons we derive from the experiences of the absolute top athletes in their respective fields, a curious reader inquired as to our specific habits that keep us focused on “the main things” in building a luxury leather business. As with any creative business, Beau Satchelle has for the most part, two main areas: the creative side (the design and production of our leather goods) and the sales/marketing end (getting our products seen and sold). Our success in these two areas are determined by building consistent, small steps every day that stimulates momentum and progress over time. For Beau Satchelle, keeping our eye on the prize, a successful luxury leather company, requires us to practice the following ten habits: 1. Maintaining a Healthy Body – not suggesting to necessarily be in shape to perform a marathon (unless that is the goal), but at least creating the physical routines for endurance on those long days that support good energy and fitness in the area of exercise and healthy eating. 2. Maintaining Healthy Mind Set – Reading positive and intelligent materials and books, listening to educational podcasts, watching You Tube channels of other entrepreneurs, networking with other business owners keeps us sharp and encouraged. More importantly, having a great sense of humor will keep you sane! 3. Gratitude – the daily grind of a business can be draining and challenging. To keep a perspective on what’s truly important, acknowledging what we are grateful for comes in different forms whether that be through prayer, writing in a journal, using this blog to publicly acknowledge who and what we are thankful for or just recognizing our teammates value to this business is worth its’ weight in gold. Showing gratitude to others is limitless and appreciated. 4. […]
So on a personal note, as a child, one of my many answers to “what do I want to be when I grow up” asked by grownups that influenced my life as a child (besides a veterinarian, a circus ringmaster and the manager of the next Jackson Five singing group), I was going to be the next Gloria Vanderbilt. I grew up when paper dolls were in vogue and I absolutely loved drawing clothes and was taught to sew by my Mom. As a teenager, I collected every magazine (way before the internet) that featured the latest and greatest in fashion for young women. However, my career as a fashion designer didn’t pan out, but my love for beautiful things has grown immensely. Since the pre-launch of Beau Satchelle to the world and thanks to my world traveled partner and artist extraordinaire T. Michael who has broadened my experiences to another level in the world of luxury. Subsequently, my tastes have grown more sophisticated, I genuinely appreciate quality and excellence whether it be a wearing a handcrafted leather handbag, dining in a Michelin Star restaurant, or displaying treasured heirloom jewelry. The artist, chef or craftsman has put love and perfection into his or her work, which is what affluent customers deem priceless. As we build our business, we keep an eye on our luxury leather competitors, but it’s just as important to understanding our market’s buying habits in other industries and how they engage in their chosen lifestyles. Our true love is leather, but we embrace the high standard of living our clients seek when it comes to discernment, uniqueness and beauty. The growth of our business has a lot to do with our connections to our local, national and international network of business associates, however, we also have a […]
Unbelievable! We are half way through the summer. Many Michiganders seriously cling to this time of the year with our warm weather because Michigan winters can be brutal. Although, Mother Nature has been quite kind the last two winters. Grudgingly, there is an appreciation for our four seasons in that it reminds us that life has its own changing seasons and time waits for no one. Almost three weeks ago, the citizens of Great Britain voted to leave the European Union which according to economists impacts their currency value, trade agreements and immigration policies. Needless to say, the global economy has been impacted and for now, the cost of purchasing goods for consumers in the United States has become favorable. There is no denying that we are all impacted, not only things that happen in our country, but when global changes take place (whether it be political, economical, technological, or social changes). Although Beau Satchelle, is a small luxury brand, we even recognize the impact of “Brexit” and other world changes. Buying certain premium leather and supplies from our friends ‘across the pond’ in London has suddenly given us a price advantage. The ability to level the playing field by introducing our products to luxury consumers in not only Europe, but Africa, Asia and the Middle East is an inspiring challenge. In addition, the luxury consumer tide to search for more independent, artists whose values stress integrity and quality has been a blessing for us. As we share our mission statement, please keep in mind that in this ever changing society, we continue to evolve and play our part in helping build a better community. -AJ Beau Satchelle’s Mission Statement: Beau Satchelle provides fine bespoke leather handbags, cases, luggage, accessories and connoisseur specialties to those who crave individuality and one […]
Weekly and often daily, without fail, we have a discussion with a potential client who is sometime novice to the world of bespoke on the subject of price. Instead of the snarky response of “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it”, in which we’ve heard some artisans say, we decided to dedicate this blog to a discussion on the value of purchasing bespoke. There are articles where writers question whether the growing popular word “bespoke” is an overused term. Basically the word means “specially made for a particular person”; it’s “customized” as many Americans relate to. In early centuries, throughout Europe, bespoke tailoring dedicated development to the craft of tailoring fabrics, especially men’s suits. Bespoke exudes refinement, class, and luxury. For some, it brings a particular affluent lifestyle and status and for others to participate in an interactive journey with a personalized result. Bespoke has a place in every high end industry including wedding dressings, perfume, shoes, interior design, cars, furniture, jewelry, watches, liquor, even software to name a few! So as you make the leap into the world of bespoke, let’s look at 3 factors that influence the cost of these beautiful investments. Labor – the Master’s talent, his or her craftsmanship and dedication to detail; it is an undertaking of the crafter’s love for creating excellence in his or her particular field. Even in the world of bespoke perfume, which takes personalization to a whole new level, developing a specific fragrance can cost tens of thousands of dollars. In addition, a client pays for the time invested into his or her custom piece. A bespoke suit can take up to 8 weeks and several fittings before it is delivered. A leather bag or set of luggage can take months depending on the clients request which leads […]
“Live everyday as if it were your last, because someday you’re going to be right.” -Muhammad Ali The past few months has really moved the universe with the deaths of three colossal giants in life… David Bowie, Prince and just two weeks ago Muhammed Ali. Each of these dear souls influenced many lives in music and sports, American culture and history. If one death (much less multiple deaths) doesn’t remind you of the preciousness of each day and every moment of your life. Should the saying “not sweating the small stuff” take on a deeper level of meaning for us all? Every day, as we move one step closer to the reveal of our bespoke leather products, we must remember to take stock of our good fortune of having the opportunity to build a business that shows off an old world skill by a self-taught American Artisan. With that in mind, it is important to us that we publicly acknowledge what Beau Satchelle is thankful for: 1. God’s Grace for our talent, our creativity, our well being, our abilities, and our dreams. 2. Beau Satchelle’s Master Artisan and Leather Craftsman, T. Michael, whose discipline and high standards towards his craft are awe-inspiring. To watch him meticulously hand sew thousands of stitches for a bag or accessory is fascinating and admirers who experience the finished product understand why we stand behind the quality of our luxury goods. 3. Our customers’ appreciation of our creations, living the journey with us while becoming our biggest fans and promoters. Beau Satchelle will prosper because of your love and appreciation. Every purchase confirms our decision to break into the world of bespoke and the luxury market. 4. Our readers and followers of our social media sites. Especially to those who read our weekly Blog, and […]
One of Beau Satchelle’s lovely clients purchased one of our custom designed, gorgeous ___ arctic blue tote bag that she uses for the office and a matching overnight duffel bag for a weekend getaway. A week ago, she contacted me, describing how an awful ink pen found its wicked way to her Tote, leaving its signature of three blue lines near the bottom of the tote bag and was quite noticeable. Needless to say she was upset and asked for suggestions as to the best method of removing the ink while preserving the bag’s leather and maintaining the color. We were able to suggest a cleaner/conditioner that eliminated the ink and kept the beauty of the bag intact. If you handle your one-of-a-kind Beau Satchelle bag with the upmost care, it will maintain its longevity. So let us share six tips with you on caring for your bespoke leather bags. 1. Leather absorb oils each time it is touched. So, first and foremost keep your hands clean to prevent makeup, hair products, perfumes, spray deodorant or lotions from getting on your handbag. A helpful accessory tip to protect the handbag’s handles is to take one of your favorite, matching silk scarf and wrap around. 2. Avoid placing your handbag on/in places where it may get scratched or stained; shopping cart trolley, file cabinet drawers, hair salon’s floors or countertops or anywhere a splinter, rough edge or chemicals can damage your luxury good. 3. Avoid spillage of beverages and liquids as they may leave a watermark; even mineral water can leave a mark if not attended to promptly. If bag gets wet, blot dry with towels and allow to air dry. If you absolutely must venture out in the rain with your luxury bag, another protective, accessory tip that I would […]
It’s summertime and the living is easy – which means barbecues, outings, hikes, camping, late nights around the fire, fine wine and a book on the deck, picnics and summer concerts. Summer is synonymous with shorter working days – spending more time out of the office and cashing in those vacation days. That can mean taking time off to spend balmy days with the people you love, whether it’s on the beach, taking a drive out to the country, taking a tour with a new flame in wine country, visiting a famous theme park where a very well-known mouse lives, or simply kicking back in a brand new hammock with a fine wine. Nights could involve going out salsa dancing, visiting the casino, barbecuing with friends, spending a night with a double feature and a big box of candy at the drive-in theatre. Whatever you decide to do with your free time, do remember to make memories to last a lifetime this summer. Life is too short to drink as wine out of plastic glasses and beer out of plastic cups, even when you’re out catching a performance by your favorite musicians at the local band shell on a hot Saturday night. In our experience, you should make the most out of every moment to maximize on the memories and to make every occasion as special as possible. One way to make things more memorable is by making the everyday more classy and uptown. Beau Satchelle makes a bespoke luxury wine bottle carrier, which features removable and changeable straps so that the bag can be carried either as a classy unisex messenger bag, or a backpack. The bag itself is crafted in Detroit, Michigan, from the finest, weather resistant, smooth brown leather that was tanned with waxes and oils and […]
I love Beau Satchelle and perhaps there will soon be a blog for the owners of our bespoke leather products. Our heart and soul goes into the building of our beautiful bespoke Luxury leather products. We realize, currently, we are a minnow in a vast ocean of leather manufacturers and artisans. However, we aren’t fearful of the challenge (actually, energized) to keep growing and perfected our offerings until we can be heralded as a top contender in the world of bespoke luxury. So when a piece is written about a master in the business, it is to only bestow much respect to one of the finest of the leather and luxury fraternity. Hermés… just saying the name conjures up the word “indulgence”. Truth be told, I am a fan, not just because of the bag itself…but the amazing brand that has been carefully built around both the Kelly and the Birkin bags. In the month of April, the auction house, Privé Porter, who curates unused, coveted Hermés Birkin handbags, broke the record for the most expensive handbag ever sold for $298,000. The 2008 Birkin made in Rouge Braise Crocodile featured 10.08 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds and 171 grams of 18-carat white gold hardware. It is elegant and the craftsmanship is unparalleled. According to the Wall Street Journal, a few days later, the Birkin was delivered by Brinks armored air transport to a Los Angeles buyer’s representative, who describes his client as an American billionaire. As we say in Detroit… “That’s ballin”! So as we grow our bespoke leather start-up, we will constantly drive ourselves to never lose the focus and respect of the art of leather crafting. We are dedicated to our values and the culture that solely embrace our clients who invest in our bespoke luxury bags […]
Life is about simple pleasures – watching the sun rise, enjoying the summer breeze with a favorite glass of wine, conversation with good friends, writing with a good, flowing pen in a beautiful notebook. As life moves faster and faster, and people get busier, we lose some of these moments. Everything is about speed and efficiency. People want the latest toys, the latest technology and there literally is an app for everything. Why not pledge to slow down and learn to enjoy the simple things again? It’s important to stop and remember the enjoyable moments in life. If you’re a wine connoisseur, take the time to really taste it. Savor the flavors, and write down what you notice about it. Although there are many great apps for wine lovers to take notes, there’s something special about documenting your find in a beautiful, luxury leather journal. Beau Satchelle creates gorgeous, bespoke handcrafted luxury journals in lambskin and premium parchment paper. They make for a wonderful writing experience at the time that you are documenting your notes. The feeling of the pen flowing over the beautifully smooth parchment paper, the smell of the ink and the pages, and the feel of the cool leather and paper under your fingertips is truly a treat for all of your senses. And when the journal is complete, you have a wonderful, tangible record of your experiences. It’s a souvenir for the rest of your life – and for generations to come. It’s collectable, it’s sentimental, and it’s a memento that you can hold in your hands. As handy as technology is, you don’t – and we guarantee, won’t – get those same feelings from using an electronic journal, or an app. This is about taking the time to slow down and enjoy those same, tangible […]
Beau Satchelle has begun the countdown to launch! It is our hope to bring you on our journey of building our brand to contend in the luxury lifestyle market. It has been a splendid, yet humbling experience preparing for the introduction of Beau Satchelle – crossing our T’s and dotting the I’s, completing the business plan, consistently writing and posting blogs by incorporating luxury lifestyle with our leather products and of course, the production process. As entrepreneurs with our new launch in the luxury leather category, it is just never enough hours in the day! After a number of months of turning our visions into designs, which then were made into templates and then sourcing the right hides, threads and tools, T. Michael has diligently crafted a line in a few areas which will be revealed in the coming weeks and months. What has been particularly interesting in the last several months is our participation into the world of wine. We were thrilled to be asked to design and showcase creations that are used exclusively by wine connoisseurs and lovers of wine in the areas of leather backpacks and messenger wine bottle carriers and leather wine tasting journals, along with bespoke leather accessories for the wine tasting world. And, as per request, we would also like to mention extending into bourbon and whisky tasting journals as well. We are anticipating that this project will cater to a market wanting heirloom quality luxuries for a lifetime of memories in which we are perfecting to serve. T. Michael has always preferred to work his magic in bespoke items for the high end and affluent market that searches for one of a kind items, whether for home, fashion or travel. This pathway will allow us to offer other specialty merchandise for the discerning […]
