We recently connected with Kate Fusilier and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kate thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
It was so fast when I transitioned from idea to execution. I had been wearing bandanas all the time from Covid that they had become a style staple of mine. I had gotten inspired to add some bling and possibly sell them. I had kind of forgotten about it and then walked into a boutique that had crystal fringe hats, jackets, etc and I immediately thought, “omg I’m onto something!” So I went to the owner and told her I had been making them (which I hadn’t nor had any supplies) and I asked would they sell somewhere like this. She said yes and I immediately went home that same day and bought bandanas, crystal fringe, watched you tube videos on the best metal to fabric adhesives and boom posted on social media that I started a business called “Glamdana.” I decided to get an LLC and trademark the name. I quickly found out Glamdana was taken by a federal trademark from girl who did leather work in Chicago and was advised by my lawyer friend to change name. And “Blingdana” was born with the help of friends name suggestions . I would say the best move I did was that I launched it quickly from the moment I had my “aha” moment. I didn’t discuss it with anyone I just took the plunge and trusted my guy instinct. The best part is that the initial boutique who “motivated” me actually didn’t want to bring them in at first after I made them! Maybe they were shocked at how quickly I returned with product. They are now one of my top customers.
Kate , 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?
My name is Kate Fusilier, I am 37 years old and am the creator of Blingdana! I started my company in January of 2022 and it has been a beautiful journey of women empowerment and community support. Blingdana is a fun way to jazz up any outfit with a little bling and to just have fun! I think what I’m most proud of is that I have created a way to engage with people through fashion. It makes my day when I see the smile immediately light up when they put their blingdana on and that boost of confidence that comes with it. Whether you are at a festival, concert, rodeo, Mardi Gras, bachelorette, night out on the town, or even a grocery store run you can look and feel fab!
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
My favorite sales story is when I participated in the Dallas Apparel and Accessories market in August of 2022. I had only been making Blingdanas for 8 months! The market is held at the World Trade Center where top boutiques and buyers from all over the country come to find wholesalers. I had no idea what I was doing or what I was getting into but I believed in my product and myself. I met a woman who had been in the fashion industry for 40 plus years in the Starbucks line at the market. She said, “So your telling me you came to your first market by yourself with a singular product!?” I replied, “That’s right!” She said, “Dang you have guts and I love that about you.” I never saw that woman again but she was right I did have the guts. I sold to 50 boutiques and made over 700 blingdanas in a six week period!! Definitely a moment where the odds were against me but worth every risk.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I think I the biggest lesson I had to unlearn was to not care what other people think. I had to trust my gut instinct and believe in my own self. When I came with the idea I executed immediately and didn’t give other people the chance to insert their opinions and suggestions. At the end of the day everyone will do something different or have a different way but it’s your vision, and your dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.getblingdana.com
- Instagram: @blingdana_
- Facebook: @kfdesignsllc