Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia Dakteris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alicia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
Our brand is relatively new, only five years old, so it’s taken all these years to build a trusted brand name. We compete with top brands, some or most of them manufacture their products overseas to pay lower labor costs. For me, it is important to have our bags and accessories handmade in the USA, paying fair salaries and using quality leather that will last forever. We would rather offer higher quality than lower costs.
Alicia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I began my career in advertising and worked as an Art Director and Creative Director for many years. One of our clients then was Panasonic Japan and we got a contract to work on the launch of the first AVATAR movie through a partnership with the Studio to launch the 3D movie globally. That’s when my team and I started to work directly in many different countries. Alicia Dakteris designs was born out of a practical need to have a single handbag solution for international travels that was also nice enough when stepping out to dinner: a combination handbag for both business and pleasure.
My experience as a designer propelled me to jump into the first design. I thought that designing a handbag would be great fun… selecting the finest leather in wonderful colors and textures; then, finding the perfect premium hardware to match. (Sorting through hundreds of clasps, chains and zippers is always my favorite part!) My first handbag was The Sack, a large bag with interchangeable straps that could carry a 15″ computer, my wallet, and any last-minute purchases before boarding a plane.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
The idea seemed easy and starting my own designer handbags looked like fun. But to make it happen, I had to do a lot of research and talk to different manufacturers in Los Angeles, where I wanted to have them made. I needed someone who could do small quantities, not a massive production. I drove all over LA (it’s a big city!) until I found the right manufacturer. I also need to find the right quality leather (which is Italian), plus premium hardware and materials in general. It has been a learning process, but I’m happy with the results.
I believe that practicality and quality go hand in hand with a well-handcrafted product. All my purses are manufactured in Los Angeles so I can personally ensure the highest quality in each one of them.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
A couple of the stores where I’ve been successfully selling my handbags have had to close. Of course, many consumers buy products online, which makes it hard for brick-and-mortar stores and small business owners.
Well, as you know, many women like to wear well-known brands, while others like to wear counterfeit purses known as “Superfake” to fashion houses). Other women prefer to wear “leatherette,” which at the end of the day is actually faux or synthetic leather manufactured with PVC and other processed materials, which only adds pollution for a short product life.
However, when my customers see my quality handbags and smell the real leather, they appreciate the difference and that keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aliciadakteris.com
- Instagram: @aliciadakteris
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliciadakteris1/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-dakteris-20158729/
- Twitter: aliciadakteris1
- Youtube: youtube.com/@aliciadakteris8041
Image Credits
Photography: Ziba Photo Video @zibaphotovideo Models: Ryle Spinks, Miss USA SupraNational 2023 @rylee.spinks Hannah Quintero @hannahcoelho