In 2009, before Evoyne Harewood started Essade Designs, she was making clothes and other things that needleworkers do. But she wanted more than that, so she tried making a bag for a woman attending a wedding, got it done, and realised that was it.
Today, four years on, she is the creative designer and owner of the four-year-old accessories company which specialises in unique bags and jewellery.
Her daughter Sanchia Harewood told BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY that her mother is quite skilled with needlework.
“If she sees a style online and it’s something she can replicate in cloth she will do it, that’s how the bags are done. There are some bags that are her own designs, she sees them on a site, then she gets the material, says it’s going to match the bag and then you’ll see the finished work.
“As it relates to the jewellery most of the pieces are her inspirations. She did copper classes with the Community Development Department and then she branched into beaded work. She likes using fine sea beads and that’s how the business started. It was an idea she had and after the classes she said she would make it all inclusive and customers would get bags, jewellery and clothing.
“After that we started to go out to different events and you would find us mainly at Agrofest, Holetown Festival, Oistins Fish Festival and Bridgetown Market. However, if you require something for a special occasion, you can call and she would have it done for you,” she said.
Harewood was busy selling her bags at the recently held Agrofest and, smiling broadly, designated her daughter to conduct the interview.
Sanchia said that her mother opted to start a business after she grew “tired of working for people”.
“She saw an avenue where she could make a little more money and be able to do more with my sisters, like pick them up from school, which was an issue with her bosses. Running her own business allowed her to have more flexibility and still be able to satisfy her customers so she took that step,” she said.
Initially business was slow, not only because she was trying to get the word out about Essade Designs, but pricing was a factor. Sanchia said some bags were priced too high and others were too low and the customers told them so.
“We had to find a price range that was suitable and allowed us to make a profit but also that he customers would like. Business hasn’t been bad. We do well at these festivals and from them we get referrals. Some people take the business cards and share them and we probably get triple business from one person. It hasn’t been bad, and so far this year, it’s started slow and last year wasn’t bad,” she said.
The fabrics used for the bags include cotton, burlap, and that used for upholstery. All are sourced in Barbados albeit from different stores.
Customers, she noted, were looking for big bags in black or neutral colours or small clutches in any colours which they carry when heading out to parties or similar occasions.
“During the festivals, we sell a lot of the big ones and I don’t know why. Maybe it’s to have it when they’re going around to pack stuff in….They call us for the small ones for church or parties, weddings as they might want something small to put their cellphones, make-up, keys and purses,” Sanchia said, adding, that the designs were unique unless someone ordered something done before.
Sanchia’s sisters, Sade and Shania Blunte, are involved in the jewellery-making aspect of the business, either getting an idea from their mother ,who would instruct them on colours and patterns or show them what she wants done.
The bags, however, are made by her, but they pitch in to make sure they are trimmed properly and can get that Essade Designs’ stamp of approval.
The knowledge she has acquired is shared with others at classes put on by the same Government agency where she learnt her craft.
Evoyne’s plan for the business is to ensure she can make a profit because she wants it to grow. She has plans to add another item to her offerings – shoes.
“I don’t know how, but she said she’s going to be offering leather shoes. She has already spoken to someone to do a leather class. Anything with needles and hand related – you’ve got her,” Sanchia said. (GBM)
