HMS Interview: Carrie Valentine – carrievalentine.com

Carrie Valentine
Leather Goods Designer, Entrepreneur, Fashionista and one Hautemomma!

www.carrievalentine.com

While most college students hit the local mall to buy bags for their school books or for nights out at the bar, Carrie Valentine designed her own bags to “purse-onify” every mood and occasion.  Instead of the typical JanSport to lug around text books, Carrie created the Relaxed Chic, a simple yet roomy drawstring bag to store all her school essentials.  Before a date to the formal with the cutie from chemistry class, Valentine whipped up the Confidence clutch to complete the perfect outfit.  Soon enough sketches scattered her desk instead of essays…Carrie had found her calling…

Anxious to begin a career in the fashion industry, Valentine graduated from Gettysburg College a semester early in 2004.  An  introduction to an accessories buyer at Bloomingdale’s led to Valentine’s trunk show debut at the New York City 59th street location and the New Jersey Short Hills location.  The shows were such a success that, a month later, her line was officially purchased by the department store… and Carrie Valentine, LLC has cultivated a following of fashionistas and celebrities who “purse-onify” themselves wearing the line ever since! 

We are so inspired by Carrie’s style & success!  Read on to discover what she finds Haute!

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Favorite vacation spot?
Any where that is warm and has a beach.

Favorite restaurant?
Dos Caminos in New York City.

Favorite hotel?
Definitely The Breakers in Palm Beach.

Cocktail of choice?
Kettle One and Tonic with Two Limes Please!

Favorite gift to give?
I love gift giving, and I really like to give people things that I know they will use.

Your favorite personal item?
My Love Bracelet.

Style Icon?
Gwen Stefani

Favorite designer?
I have many.  I love collecting accessories and clothes from up and coming designers, but of course, I admire the work done by designers like Valentino Garavani, Miuccia Prada, and Kate Spade. 

How do you define style? Any style Advice?
Style is very personal.  You should only wear what is comfortable; When you feel comfortable you feel confident, and it shows!

Top of your style / wardrobe wish list?
I would love to get a new pair of shoes every day!

What is in your beauty bag?
I don’t wear a lot of make-up but I do not step outside without eyeliner and lip gloss.

How do you define true luxury?
Happiness with yourself. 

Favorite mantra?
I AM THAT.  It is very simple.  You are who you are, and through every moment you must be true to yourself.

What motivates you the most?
The idea of creating something that compliments a persons beauty and accents their mood.

What do  you love most about owning your own business?
When I see a perfect stranger wearing one of my designs, a smile creeps across my face!

Any advice for those wanting to start (create)  their own venture?
It has been said  that if you do what you love you will never work a day in your life.  It is true.  People will feel the positive energy from you and hopefully pass it along to others too!

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