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

Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea to start Riley Versa came from a personal desire for a product I couldn’t find!

It all started on a trip to Miami; I packed in a carry-on suitcase and didn’t have room for more than one purse. I had one of those “wouldn’t it be great if…” moments, and had the idea to create an interchangeable bag that would allow you to essentially “pack multiple bags to wear” but only have to bring one compact bag. After testing the concept, I realized I wasn’t the only woman who would want one bag that could transform itself to match any look and occasion.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I grew up in New York City and was always interested in fashion and design. I started Riley Versa on the side, as a passion project, until I realized there was a real market for it. Riley Versa is where luxury and convenience intersect. The bags are perfect for the jet-setter; the woman who travels for work or pleasure and cannot pack multiple bags but can pack multiple covers; the woman who wants to transition her look from a day at the office to a night on the town; or as the ultimate accessory for any woman who likes to change her style with her mood. Riley Versa’s streamlined approach saves valuable suitcase, closet, and drawer space – covers are infinitely easier to store than bags!

We’ve also created products for parents (e.g., our Baby Bag) which are designed to be functional and convenient, but still fashionable, and other functional but fashionable items like our jewelry case and workout pouches. Simply put, Riley Versa is focused on creating products that make our busy daily lives a bit easier and a bit chicer!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Pop-ups, Instagram, and word of mouth!

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

When I started Riley Versa, I was working full-time in market research. I started Riley Versa as a passion project on the side, and when I saw the interest in the product, I knew it could really be something. However, to make that happen, I would have to leave my job and commit myself to Riley Versa full-time, which I did after about a year of juggling both.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rileyversa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileyversa/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rileyversa/about/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0&paipv=0&eav=AfaSJlPR44y8dXrCz0pgdLbZ_TrJXlGrBT3dKYg7Rd1MDkQ257bnIAw6NWN6mDtdqoo&_rdr