We were lucky to catch up with Ciara Perrone recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ciara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

In my journey with Brinn, I’ve witnessed the incredible power of friends and family support in various aspects. Brinn took its initial steps through two successful rounds of crowdfunding, both of which were predominantly fueled by the backing of friends and family. Their belief in the project not only provided the financial support necessary but also served as a foundational pillar for Brinn’s inception.

There’s something magical about the sense of community that blooms when friends and family show interest in supporting your passions and business. It creates a shared connection and a vested interest in the growth and success of Brinn. It’s not just about transactions; it’s about building a community of advocates who have been there since the beginning, cheering you on.

While we’ve moved on from crowdfunding, Brinn continues to thrive on a bootstrapped model. Our product releases often operate on a pre-order basis, and this is where the early support of my community shines. Customers opt-in to pre-order new designs, providing crucial feedback and enabling the production process. This collaborative approach not only helps in refining products but also fosters a sense of loyalty as they receive discounts for their early support.

This symbiotic relationship between Brinn and its community highlights the enduring impact of involving friends and family, not just in the initial stages but as an ongoing source of strength and encouragement. It’s a journey we’re all taking together, and their support has been integral to Brinn’s evolution and success over the years.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello there! I’m Ciara, the founder and designer behind Brinn. My journey into accessories was actually fueled by my passion for photography. What started as a personal mission to find the perfect camera and travel bag quickly evolved into a full-fledged handbag line with a commitment to staying intentionally designed and responsibly produced.

Brinn is an ongoing exploration of art, design, and innovative materials. Our focus is on using organic, recycled, and plant-based materials to bring you original and distinctive pieces. My design philosophy represents the interconnected balance between nature and man-made elements. Each creation embodies the brand’s commitment to timeless design and premium, 100% animal-free materials.

Guided by our core values of compassion and consciousness, each design is infused with intention from start to finish. I take immense pride in Brinn’s commitment to creating responsibly, and it’s a testament to the dedication and innovation that personally drives my work. Since day one, Brinn has prioritized ethical and sustainable practices, including the use of next-gen materials, low-waste and small-batch production and promoting fair and safe work environments. I believe it’s a key aspect that defines the brand and greatly resonates with our audience.

We’re not just about handbags; with a profound understanding of the transformative power of how we choose to dress ourselves day to day, we aspire to inspire individuals on their personal journeys. We also hope to educate on the importance of slow fashion and taking care of people, animals and the planet, all while doing what we love.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Both word of mouth and leveraging social media have been the two most effective ways that I’ve grown Brinn’s audience and customer base.

When you are bootstrapping your brand from the ground up and don’t have much of a marketing budget, word of mouth is an amazing way to grow. I can’t really say this was a “strategy” so much as the result of creating a sense of community and providing exceptional customer experiences. The foundation of positive word of mouth is ensuring that every interaction with Brinn leaves a lasting positive impression, turning customers into enthusiastic brand ambassadors. Some of the things that have led to positive word of mouth for Brinn include personal notes with each order, prompt issue resolutions, and genuine connections with my customers who often become friends.

Social media has also been tremendous for our growth. As a brand centered around design, utilizing social media to visually share the story of Brinn has been a great way to connect with others. I often share behind-the-scenes glimpses of the creative process as well as the logistical process and highlight the values that set Brinn apart.

I mention community a lot because it’s truly been our greatest creation. I love to engage with my audience through polls, Q&A’s, and user-generated content. I like to look at Brinn’s social media accounts as a space where our customers feel heard and valued.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The entrepreneurial journey, to me, is a continuous process of self-creation. I believe that the greatest assets an entrepreneur can possess are a resilient mind and a boundless imagination.

One resource that has profoundly impacted my thinking is the ‘How I Built This’ podcast with Guy Raz. Hearing the stories of successful entrepreneurs and understanding their journeys has been both enlightening and motivating. It provides a real-world perspective on the challenges and triumphs of building something from the ground up.

In addition to that, I find daily meditation to be a cornerstone of maintaining a positive mindset. It’s a practice that not only enhances my focus and decision-making but also allows me to take a step back and breath before reacting in the face of challenges.

Having an amazing mentor has been instrumental in my growth. Taking the advice of a seasoned mentor and implementing their guidance has provided invaluable insights and shortcuts in navigating a creative business and getting out of my own way.

I’m also an avid reader of self-help books, and one that stands out for me is ‘The Big Leap.’ It delves into the psychology of overcoming self-imposed limitations and unlocking one’s true potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brinnbags.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brinn_bags/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/brinnbags
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaraperrone/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@brinn_bags

Image Credits
Ciara B Perrone