Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Margo Perkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Margo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

In our industry, the biggest trends we are seeing are cheaply produced products that are priced either inexpensively or high with no regard to sustainability and style. We see the value in creating sustainable products in a circular economy, which is what our business is based on. At Margo Paige, we are doing things differently. We are taking recycled materials and turning them into products that are a necessity to those who seek large events, comfort and style. Our process starts with designing around recycled materials, partnering with manufacturers who are smaller and support fair living wages + conditions, taking those products to market and once the products end of life is determined by the consumer, we provide ways to repair + repurpose or the ability to send it back to us and we will properly recycle the product, which turns into new material. We believe that sustainability is at the forefront and has started to trend in the larger apparel sector. With more people choosing to shop second hand or with sustainable brands, it’s imperative that those take a look of how products are being produced, the styles and functionality of them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Margo Paige launched as a clear handbag business in late 2019. I was attending a college football game and was turned away for not carrying a clear handbag. I went home and saw clear handbags were priced inexpensively and would break on the second wear or over $200. Clear handbags don’t have to be generic, cheap or over priced. Thus, I launched Margo Paige. Our clear handbags are made with durable, recycled materials, stylish designs at an affordable price. We partner with manufacturers who provide fair living wages and safe working environments. We provide a re-purse program to assist with proper recycling, repurposing and repairing. We are the only clear handbag on the market who promotes our partners, materials and designs. We are thrilled to share our product to the world, not only for large events but for everyday living. During the pandemic, we started to design apparel that would not only pair well at large events, but everyday living. With comfort on the mind, our apparel is sustainably made with materials and design. We created four pieces that are lightweight, sweat wicking that takes a spin on elevating athleisure. These pieces can be worn from the office to a Tuesday night concert to your favorite tailgate. Our apparel is unmatched when it comes to sweat wicking. No need to worry about sweat marks or a spilled beverage-it will roll right off. The bonus? These pieces will mix and match with all your other pieces in your closet.
We believe that sustainability can be affordable, durable, and stylish.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I had launched my business in late 2019, which was a few months before the pandemic hit. This was probably one of the worst times to launch a business that revolves around large events. I remember feeling thrilled to be launching something that I had put so much energy into. When events and venues started closing down, I knew it wasn’t going to be the end of my company, but an opportunity to re-eveluate and recount what I had learned in a few short months. During that time, it gave me the freedom to move up sustainability to the forefront with our designs and practices. I moved manufacturing partners, put in a re-purse program that would allow consumers to recycle their handbags properly with us. And brought on another idea that had been simmering for a few years, apparel. While it was a less than ideal time, I’m extremely grateful for the slowdown that provided me extra time to tweak and add what I had wanted to do originally, but didn’t have the resources.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients is word of mouth. People tend to trust reviews of friends or family members more than of an influencer. Consumers build trust from people that they carry relationships with and provide honest feedback when products work or don’t work. With influencers, you’re being paid by someone to promote with product. With friends or family, they are just thrilled to share about something that worked for them and love with no strings attached. Having normal people talk about your product is one of the most beneficial marketing tactics around.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.margopaige.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/shopmargopaige
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmargopaige

Image Credits
Taylor Prinsen Photography