Real Talk With Jamie Lewis, Founder of JLEW Bags

Jamie Lewis, the creative brain behind JLEW Bags, is a hustler. On top of designing luxury handbags that can roll with the punches, she also works full time in marketing and makes it to her morning boxing class. She’s one creative (and tough) cookie!

Name: Jamie Lewis
Location: New York
Title: Founder
Company: JLEW Bags
What it is: Luxury lifestyle bag company
Educational Background: BA with a double major in economics and Spanish from DePauw University (also a graduate of the Management Fellows Entrepreneurship program); MBA from Columbia Business School

If you could go back in time to when you started JLEW Bags, would you do anything differently?

I’ve learned so much and had so much fun, I wouldn’t change a thing.  I’ve made so many mistakes, but that’s how I learn.  It’s all part of the process.  I’m making sure I enjoy the journey and don’t get discouraged  by  hiccups.

How has your job in marketing benefited you as a small business owner?

I have stepped back a few times along this journey to appreciate that much of what I thought wouldn’t translate to this endeavor actually has contributed significantly…from fundraising to messaging to listening (that’s a big one — listen more than you speak) to negotiating…putting yourself out there in new experiences, etc.

What has been the most effective method of marketing for you?

Word of mouth, leveraging brand ambassadors, engaging face to face with customers.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Everywhere, truly…on the subway, people watching, looking at graffiti walking the streets of New York, traveling . . . there’s always a wheel spinning taking in ideas, even from music…food…experiences…

What are your hobbies? What do you do when you’re not working?

Boxing and surfing!!!  I love to get outside and be active. Maybe even more than that, I love traveling and exposing myself to new experiences.  I do a lot of mentoring and socializing.  People energize me so I’m usually out and about with friends.  A former boss of mine used to repeat this mantra: “Love what you do and expose yourself.” I find so much of my personal activities inform and influence and inspire my entrepreneurial spirit, which makes this process that much more fun.

How do you define success?

Waking up and smiling every day!  No, really. Of course I have financial goals and sales targets, etc. But making sure I stay true to these #bagswithasilverlining and don’t stray too far from the initial inspiration will be key to building a loyal tribe of #girlswithguts.

What’s been the hardest part of starting your own business?

I have so many ideas and simply not enough time…Focusing instead of spreading myself too thin has proven the most difficult.

What has been the most rewarding part of starting your own business?

So many friends have stepped up to help, support, and brainstorm through this process.  I keep saying it feels like angels are falling from the sky…I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many fantastic people who believe in JLEW.

Did you find it difficult to switch from an analytical job to your creative business? How do you switch on a consistent basis?

Heavens no!  I think my soul was craving more creativity.  I grew up playing the piano, among a myriad of other musical instruments…loving arts and crafts, cooking…and stopped nourishing this part of myself for a good 20 years.

How do you make sure you stand out on social media?

Keeping my eyes and ears open, trying to learn constantly, and staying nimble and relevant.

How do you balance your full-time job, your own company, and your personal life?

I don’t think I know the meaning of balance…I think of myself as a pendulum because I’m usually swinging rapidly from one extreme to another.

Do you have any advice for other women looking to begin a side business on top of a full-time job?

I live by the phrase “do one thing a day that scares you” and truly believe if you’re not growing, you’re dying…give it a shot.  The worst that can happen is that it doesn’t work, but I promise you’ll learn something from the experience and find yourself better prepared for the next adventure!

What’s next for you?

Follow us @jlewbags to see…we have some really fun announcements “in the bag!”