Two years ago, at the annual Mohawk Place Hot Rod Show, Dungaree Dolly had a small stand set up among the automobiles. We were struck not only by her feminine presence at such a testosterone filled event, but also by her "tattoos". No, it stuck in our mind what a self-starter she must be to create a product locally that no one else does, to cater to a crowd that people rarely target, and to promote herself alongside the greasiest of greasers.
This past week, Dolly answered the questions we were harboring in our minds for so long.
Laura Sargent: When did you start making your handbags?
Dolly: About 3 years ago now. It's kind of funny, it all started with making myself a cosmetic bag. My friends and family all loved them and I started selling them out of my cubicle at work! The first day I think I got about 13 orders. I knew I was on to something! One thing leads to another and I started making more accessories and eventually purses...and that's how 'Dolly Bags' were born!
LS: What sort of materials are they made out of?
D: Most of my bags are cotton, but I have recently started playing with vinyl, too. All of my bags are 100% animal friendly!
LS: Where do your ideas for the prints come from?
D: Most of my fabrics that I use are from different companies. I design and draft the pattern for the actual handbag itself. I always think about what girls need when it comes to a bag and then design something as beautiful as it is functional. I know this is going to sound crazy, but I actually dream about bags! One day I took a power nap, woke up and designed one of my favorite bags - the Baroness.
LS: Do you work any other jobs?
D: Not any more! I was able to quit my 'fake job' about a year and a half ago. It was a lot to handle working full time and starting my business, but I knew that I needed to get my product out there and see if this was really going to be something I could turn into a career. When it got to the point that I was working all hours of the night to get my orders out, I had to quit my old job. I knew I was finally at the point were I could give all my time and attention to my business. And by doing so, my orders have tripled!
LS: Did you attend fashion school?
D: I did! I went to school at the International Academy of Design in Toronto - fresh out of high school. I came home because I couldn't handle the craziness of big city life. I am much happier living in West Seneca!
LS: Do you have a storefront?
D: No, I don't. That has always been my ultimate goal, but I find myself re-evaluating that. I really enjoy the freedom of working from home - don't have to keep any set store hours and I can work in my PJ's if I want to! I converted my entire living room into a 'Dolly Bag Workshop'. This is where I design and make bags all day long - I love it! You know, it's funny how you are constantly driving yourself to get somewhere and then to realize you are perfectly happy right were you are. Of coarse I look forward to expanding some day, but for now things are just how I want them to be.
LS: How many sales do you get from online?
D: 98% of my orders are through my website. I would say I average about 80-100 orders a month.
LS: Would you say that you have the largest volume of sales in WNY as
opposed to other parts of the country?
D: Actually, most of my orders are from the west coast, but I do have a growing following of local girls that will only carry my bags! I can not even tell you how much I appreciate them - it really means allot to me when people go out of their way to support small local businesses!
LS: Do you work by yourself?
D: It's just my 2 pups and me for the most part! I do have a really close friend that comes by once a week to help me get organized for the week ahead, she really is a great help. And sometimes I even get my guy to help me box up orders!
LS: Where do you find your models?
D: Believe it or not - I met all of them on Myspace. I just started talking to them and asked if they would send me photos in exchange for Dolly Bags - all of them were more than happy to accept my offer. I have grown close with all of them and I really am proud that they represent my company.
LS: Do you do any commissioned pieces?
D: Yes! I have a good selection of bags at Carl's Tattoo in North Tonawanda and at Art n Body in Williamsville. I also sell wholesale to companies all around the world!
LS: Have you ever considered doing other types of garments (dresses,
shirts, etc..) ?
D: Actually, that is what I started my business with - a line of reproduction vintage dresses. It was a blast to design, but I realized that drafting patterns to fit girls that I was not able to measure myself was not as easy as I thought it would be. So, I started my handbag line - I mean one size fits all, right? So, that really took off for me and it got to the point were I just didn't have the time to keep up with the dresses. Plus, I was just having way more fun designing bags anyway!
LS: What's your favorite tattoo and who did it?
D: I have to say - it's my 'Sew Cute' piece on my left forearm. I designed it myself and it really means a lot to me - it is a vintage pair of scissors going through a spool of thread with a banner. It makes me so happy! Steve Christman of Hyperion Tattoo did it for me.
LS: Who is your favorite local band?
D: Well, semi- local I would have to say The Royal Crowns who are out of Toronto. Favorite Buffalo band would be Bleed for Me.
LS: What are you listening to right now?
D: Interpol. Gosh they are just so good!
LS: What's one thing you would want people to know about you?
D: I want people to know that it is possible to do something you love and make it your career. It really starts with a little self confidence and surrounding yourself with friends and family that believe in you. I can not even tell you how amazing it is to see a girl walking around town carrying one of my bags or to read a thank you note from a happy customer. I get so much out of my business - loving my 'job' and what I do all day really adds to the person I am.
LS: Favorite Buffalo hang out?
D: Oh other than staying home with my boyfriend and pups watching a movie? I would have to say Mohawk Place or Club Diablo. But, I really am a huge home body!
LS: Favorite pair of shoes?
D: Red suede peep toes with red bows - sew cute! Ok, that was just silly!
LS: Favorite Ice Cream Flavor?
D: How can you do this to me? Don't you know I have an entire sleeve dedicated to ice cream and sweets? (laughs) Gee if I had to pick just one it would have anything to do with chocolate and brownies. Oh wait - let's go with Coldstone Creamery's Birthday Cake Remix. Or... See what I am talking about!
LS: What keeps you rooted in Buffalo?
D: Hands down - friends and family. Without them, I would have nothing.
