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

Stephanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

There is no question in my mind that it takes grit and perseverance to be successful. In the early stages of CoFi, I read a book called, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth. Angela highlights that high achievers combine their talents with passion and grit to persevere through difficult times. As an entrepreneur, there are bound to be challenges that arise. Some people throw their hands up and walk away. Others, through grit and determination, pivot and alter the trajectory of their business. Covid was one of those times that encouraged a pivot and reassessment of CoFi in order to stay relevant and grow during hard times.

Stephanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

CoFi Leathers began as a family business. My father, Clive, has been in the leather business for over 45 years. My dad and I met a gentleman in Mexico who has perfected the art of creating printed leathers, after training for a few years in Italy. At CoFi, we use Italian papers and foils via a transfer process to create our unique leathers. Subsequently, we use these leathers to create handbags, sneakers, and other small leather goods.

The leathers are stunning and unique. When I first spotted them, I knew right away that they would make exquisite handbags. I also knew that there was nothing else like it on the market. I saw the opportunity to create something beautiful that would stand out in a sea of competition.

I have always loved fashion. I like playing with fashion trends, creating unique choices when putting outfits together. I would say that I am a non-conformist. I love trends, but I also love spinning them on their head. For instance, with our Erin Tote Bags, they have a very traditional silhouette; but, when you create them in a unique platinum leather, they suddenly differentiate you from what everyone else is carrying. The best feedback I receive about CoFi is that people are constantly stopped on the street: “Where did you get that bag?” or “I love your sneakers. Who makes them?”

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I think one of the most challenging parts of running my own business was starting from the ground up. My educational background was in learning disabilities from Northwestern, which was my previous career path. In developing CoFi Leathers, I have been gifted with a crash course in business acumen, learning everything from website development, marketing strategy, cashflow analysis, product development, and more. It has been an ongoing learning process and I have, of course, made some mistakes as I grow. I have learned not to over-buy inventory until I know there is a market for it. I have discovered not to private label because if the brand runs into cash flow or distribution problems, they may leave me with product with their name attached to it. I have also learned to take chances as long as I mitigate the risks. And, I have learned to be less self-critical because mistakes will happen. It is always better to face things head on, deal with them, and move forward, rather than letting the issue linger.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing clientele is word of mouth. At CoFi, we have created incredible products that draw admiration from friends and strangers alike. When you wear CoFi, you will be stopped and asked, “Who makes that bag?” or “I love your sneakers, where did you get them?” I can’t tell you the number of people who have told me that! And, our customers are on the ready to share the brand with their friends and the gentleman who has stopped them at the supermarket to say, “Nice kicks.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cofileathers.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cofileathers/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoFiLeathers/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/cofileathers/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vECOkdybkw

Image Credits
Sweet Justice Photography Style TM Janelle Tejon Dana Martin