Being a mom is never an easy job. Everytime when we go out, there is a list to check: baby bottles, dummy, nappy, wipes …… Thanks Laila who makes our life easier. Her brand – Mary + Marie , the bags are not only functional but look trendy too so every mom can put everything in, keeping them organized, and stay stylish!
So what is her story in creating this brand and the company? How she did it?
Hey Laila, please tell us a little bit about yourself and your business
With a simple, but passionate philosophy, I created my own brand “Mary and Marie” which has revolutionized the handbag. Whether they’re handcrafted from luxury leather or other high-quality fabrics, every one of our Australian-designed handbags has two purposes – to radiate absolute style on the outside, and perform with unparalleled functionality on the inside. It’s a fashion collaboration dreams are made of.
What motivated you to enter into this business?
The idea started when my first child Bella was born. I couldn’t find a nice looking bag that had all the compartments that I needed as a woman let alone all the compartments I needed as a mom. I definitely found it frustrating that baby bags were so ugly at the time and designer bags didn’t have all the space I needed for my new role as a mom in a way I could access them easily. Who wants to be searching for a dummy when you’re driving with a screaming baby? It’s all about convenience when you have kids, and no one was catering to that market back then the bags had blue bottles printed on them or pink ribbons nothing I would ever use.
What is a day of your life like?
I wake up around 5am to enter all the orders and send them to the pick and pack warehouse before taking my girls to school. When I return I try and do one marketing task before taking production or design. Then it varies as customer service ends up eating up , most of my day……
What is your business challenge and how do you try to get over the struggles?
Oh I have spent the last 20 years in production so there is an incident every day but as a production manager for so many designers in the past I have found solutions to most problems even if I have to sleep on the factory floor until it comes to me.
How do you keep yourself motivated during the difficult times?
I really don’t know I think I was lucky to have entrepreneurial parents who always worked hard and tried their best so giving up for me has never been an option.
What is the upcoming marketing plan that you want to share with us?
I am just doing some training now on Instagram advertising and I am slowly working it out!
How do you differentiate yourself from the similar products in town?
My zip out interior is defiantly a great selling point as well as having so many functional interior pockets.
What have you found to be your most effective way of finding your clients?
Facebook is by far my number one lead.
As an entrepreneur, how do you see the “work-life” balance?
Its tough especially now people can even contact you via your watch I have to recharge every now and then I have a day off, but reading for me is not relaxing anymore as I have to do it and keep retraining all day every day especially with all my online stores.
So how do you usually spend your leisure time?
Oh I love paddling around deep-water bay on my Kayak, surfing in Bali with my family. All the classes at Pure fitness and coaching my daughter’s netball team!
If anyone want to get in touch with you, where should we send them to?
Email: laila@maryandmarieshop.com
Website: www.maryandmarieshop.com
Facebook: MaryandMarieshop
Twitter: MaryMarieShop
Linkedin: Laila Nassar
Though my boy is not a baby anymore, I have been looking for a functional bag to carry my different gadgets and work anywhere I like. Laila will be exhibiting at the Prestige Summer Fairs on 3rd June at the Conrad Hotel, Hong Kong. Will go and have a look! Join me there!
Time: 10am to 7pm
