We recently connected with LaNay Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, LaNay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

During my senior year of college, I was doing a paid internship with a company in the criminal justice field. It was about a year later after, working around the clock & plenty of overtime and picked up shifts. On January 1, 2019, I lost my grandfather. After everything I had done for that company, they REFUSED to give me any bereavement time. I was threatened that if I went to the funeral, I would be fired. After that, I was a fresh out of college girl that couldn’t go back to working for anyone else! My now fiance, brought me out of a deep depression & encouraged me to follow my dreams & passion…. & that’s FASHION! Since then, Up The Bag has changed my life & I am forever grateful!

LaNay, 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?

Fashion is literally my passion! I strive for uniqueness in every outfit. As a woman, I love to make people feel as good as they look! I am proud to be able to serve everyone from small to big, man to woman! I take the stress out of dressing to impress. I serve all ages from 12-65 years ago.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Being fresh out of college, I didn’t have a job or funding money. I chose to DoorDash to make my start up money. I literally make my own capital.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My storefront has bars on two really big windows… someone started calling me a “C.O.” lol. You know, a correctional officer of a jail? I used to sit in the window for 8-10 hours a day, posting on social media promoting & praying for customers. It’s safe to say, it paid off! I learned to put my products in people’s faces. The more they see, the more they buy!

Contact Info:

• Website: Upthebag.com
• Instagram: @upthebagg
• Facebook: @upthebagg