Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Weiss.
Mary, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always loved the outdoors and nature. On my honeymoon to Costa Rica, my husband and I went on a sailboat excursion. I will never forget seeing plastic trash floating for miles around our boat. You could reach out and touch it. It was everywhere, like a carpet of brightly colored containers. I could barely enjoy the day, thinking of how much plastic was in our oceans, rivers, and streams. Back in Dallas, every time we would try to enjoy the hiking and biking trails around creeks and lakes, we would see plastic bags everywhere, entangled in roots and trees. So, I’ve always tried to reduce, reuse and recycle.
I used to use some really great reusable bags that my friend had designed and imported. However, she went out of business. I wanted to continue to have those types of bags – and make them available to the world – so I decided to start my own company with my own designs. It took over two years to work on designs, get the samples back from India and drum up the immense courage to import a half container load of bags! I finally took the leap when I realized I would regret not pursuing my dream for the rest of my life if I didn’t do it.
It’s funny how things turn out. People use my bags for groceries, but most use them for everyday toting around. Nurses, teachers and anyone with a job that requires you to bring lots of stuff for long days, LOVE them. Teenagers who need an extra bag to tote stuff for a long day use them. They make great travel carry-ons that can then convert to a pool or beach bag. People with hobbies love them – coloring book bag, knitting bag, you name it. One lady even had her little dog’s name put on it and she carries her dog in it! Ha!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh, definitely not! My first huge struggle was when my initial order took four months instead of two to manufacture. I needed the bags in time for my first Christmas market in November. They shipped out of India in time for the market. But things got worse! My bags sat on the ship in the L.A. harbor for three weeks while the L.A. port was on strike! I could hardly stand not being able to fix this. I explained to the coordinator of the market why I had to cancel, and she suggested I display my samples and ship later. So, with a pounding heart and dry mouth, I did my first show. I could not believe how many I sold! I was so excited I could barely sleep. The bags arrived JUST IN TIME. Unfortunately, I had the flu when I had to pick them up from the warehouse. I rented a U-Haul, asked a friend to help and went to the warehouse. My heart was pounding again when I opened each box to inspect, but the bags were perfect! I filled my dining room with boxes, sent about 500 marketing emails I’d already designed and gone to bed. While I slept, my husband and two sons moved all the boxes upstairs for me. Upon waking, I had a ton of orders. My mother-in-law came into town to help me ship. We worked 14-hour days, with me coughing up a lung, and got them shipped. Phew!
Another surprise was how many people love to monogram the bags! I’d assumed a business model of shipping directly from the warehouse – NOPE! Texans LOVE their monograms! Luckily, my embroiderer works seamlessly with me to get the orders out quickly.
Here’s what I realized: I will ALWAYS have setbacks. Sometimes, you just have to accept it, sleep on it and a solution will come to you later. Nothing ever works out exactly as you planned!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Chocolate Bags – what should we know?
The best part of my job is when customers see me again, come up to me and say, “Mary, I use your bag ALL THE TIME!” It’s just so rewarding to provide a product that people love and use – it is such a practical thing! I love when people send me pictures of how they use their bag. For example, pictures of the bag on vacation, at a choir show, kids’ football game, around the house to organize things or shopping with friends. Women love to buy and monogram bags for girls’ getaways. I learned those are called “sussies.” Who knew? People post pictures of how they use their bag on my Facebook/Instagram saying, “Spotted at… the football game, or the hospital or cheer tryouts.” I love to see where my bags go!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I’m really proud that I can give people the satisfaction of finding that perfect gift for someone who has everything. A personalized tote that is SUPER practical, that gets a lot of use and is one of a kind.
Another thing I’m known for is that I named my company after my chocolate Lab, Major. He’s the dog in my logo. I love to bond with my customers over our mutual love of dogs. No, my bags aren’t edible!
Finally, I love to help organizations fundraise – I’ve helped soccer teams, cheer squads, science campers, dog rescue groups, Destination Imagination teams, etc. I donate 40% of the bag cost to organizations.
Pricing:
- Totes are $15, monogramming is $13 extra
- I have sales throughout the year, so get on my mailing list!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chocolatebags.com
- Phone: 1-888-405-5857
- Email: info@chocolatebags.com
- Instagram: Chocolate Bags
- Facebook: Indulge in the Bag
- Other: chocolatebags.com
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