Meet the Designer behind Crabberrie

1. Tell us a bit about yourself: what motivated you to start designing? What inspires your designs?
It started with a sketch of my old dog Marley. I thought it would be a fun idea to have men’s belts produced with him on them. I came up with a few more designs, and found a factory that could produce them. The problem with belts is that I had to order various sizes and the minimum quantity I needed to order was quite high. I was afraid to outlay the capital investment in something I wasn’t sure would sell. I had to think of something that was one size fits all. I turned Marley pink and the tote bag idea was born.

The designs are inspired by things I like: classic, fun and timeless.

2. What is one piece of advice you’d give an aspiring designer?
If i had to do it again, I would have started out with fewer designs. My initial orders were large and I was carrying a lot of inventory without a customer base. Also, if you are going to use overseas factories, do your research. Ask for references here in America and really try to vet them. Invest in trade shows, go where the buyers are buying and make sure you are attending the appropriate shows for your line.

3. How did you come up with the name for your brand?
I was just looking for a name that would reflect the personality of the totes. I like the combination of two words that do not have any relevance to one another.

4. Are you looking to expand into other categories? What does the future hold for your brand?
Now that I have a solid base of retailers I am expanding into more sizes including wine bottle totes. I am also adding new designs to the line. Flip flops and beach towels are in the works as well.

5. Why does every woman need one of your totes?
The totes are a great catch all for all the fun you take along. They scream beach and pool, but I also hear from customers they are using them for knitting, weekend, school books and shopping bags. The totes really are nice big sturdy bags.

You can find these two Crabberie styles now at The Shoe Hive.

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Elizabeth Todd

owner | The Hive | The Shoe Hive

https://theshoehive.com

info@theshoehive.com

703.548.7105

I spent the first part of my career as a copy-writer who helped elected officials brag about their support for entrepreneurs. Then I decided to get off the printed page and do it myself. The Shoe Hive made a splash on the fashion scene in Washington, and was named the region’s best shoe store in its first year. Fourteen years later, I have tripled the store’s size and also opened a sister store, The Hive. At The Hive, we offer clothing lines that are sophisticated and approachable like Rag & Bone, Tibi, Raquel Allegra, Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard. We have tried to fill our racks with clothing you will want to wear all the time, elevated basics that are worth the investment.

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Heard the buzz? The Shoe Hive & The Hive are a pair of luxury boutiques in Old Town Alexandria. Featuring both big name designers like Rag & Bone and Stuart Weitzman and smaller brands like AGL and L'Agence, our unique selection and impeccable service are what set us apart.

www.theshoehive.com

The Shoe Hive                         The Hive
127 S. Fairfax Street               301 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA 22314              Alexandria, VA 22314

703.548.7105                          703.548.7110