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

Mona, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Hello Brown Girl,
My name is Mona Shanell, and I am the Owner and Designer of Brown Girl Bag Company. I started this company with one goal in mind: To promote black positivity through custom bags. All of my bags tell a story that embraces our unique qualities, unequivocal dopeness, and mocha magic.

This journey began in 2016, when I started a t-shirt business named Mentalitees. My brand was focused towards black empowerment and being proud during a time of division in our country.

​In 2021, I decided to embark on a new journey of bags only, realizing that we needed more representation in what we carry to set the tone for our day. Our bags range from book bags, lunch bags, work bags, grocery bags, gym bags, travel bags, and more.

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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?

I am Mona Shanell, owner and designer of The Brown Girl Bag Company. This journey began in 2016 when this was originally a t-shirt business names MentaliTees. My brand was focused towards Black empowerment and being proud during a time of division in our country.

As time moved forward, we as people began gaining traction in getting our voices heard. Right as the pandemic hit, there was a shift in the movement where I feel the narrative became less angry and we as people became more proud. Proud of who we are, proud of what we have and will continue to overcome. This is the type of pride we carry with us every single day.

I specialize in creating beautiful vibrant pieces that represent the African American culture, I am most proud of the custom bookbags I make for African American children. To see their little faces light up when they see their bookbag for the first time and the image looks like them. I love to see the first day of school pictures and how proud they are walking into class in full representation.

We didnt have that growing up. I grew up in a time where there were not any bookbags or school supplies with black or brown images. Our babies are growing up in an era where they no longer have to adapt to fit in but are now celebrated for standing out. I am excited to be apart of that.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I use multiple platforms to sell and market my products. I have my own website, Etsy and Amazon. Each platform has its own pros and cons. I have experienced the most success selling my products on Etsy. What I have learned over the years is that customers come to Etsy to find specific targeted products. On Etsy, the customers are looking to find you. Whereas with a website you as the business owner are looking to find customers. This requires great marketing an advertising skills.

Most of my products are customized and therefore you won’t find too many customers who go to Amazon for custom items. I have found that most customers come to Amazon for ready to ship, quick last minute products. As a business owner it is imperative to know what your customer base looks like and which platform will work best for you to be successful.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Since the pandemic the internet and social media has become oversaturated with influencers, ads and content creators. I quickly found my business becoming lost in the shuffle. What once worked well online shortly became just “another one of those videos”. So it started to become very challenging to gain the interest of new customers.

Therefore, I decided last year to get from behind the computer and actually go out into the community to showcase my work. Vending and hosting events that are influenced by my target audience has worked tremendously. When customers are able to meet the owner, see the set up, and view the products in real time it creates an organic experience that you just don’t get online.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bgbc.co
• Other: Instagram @_browngirlco Linktr.ee/BrownGirlCo Email: [email protected]