1. Notebook + pen 2. iphone charge 3. wallet 4. business card holder 5. Mac products 6. hand sanitizer 7. keys 8. gum 9. iphone 10. lotion
What’s your biggest accomplishment?
I think it’s amazing that my bags were featured on many websites and blogs. My story was published on Refinery29 and in Washingtonian magazine. But, my biggest accomplishment is that I’ve made it to my second year in business! I’ve learned a lot and there were and are many challenges, but it is very rewarding to know that people love my clutches.
What are three books you would recommend to our readers?
I don’t read as much as I would like to, but if there was one book I’d recommend reading it is The Girl’s Guide to Starting Your Own Business by Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio. There are great information and tips in there.
What’s the biggest lesson you have learned since launching?
I have learned to step outside of my box. It feels good to be comfortable, and stepping out of your comfort zone can be tough, but it’s something that must be done if you want to succeed.
What’s your advice to someone interested in starting their own business?
Do it! People come to me often and tell me that they have an idea for something they want to do. I immediately tell them to just do it. I learned to sew a week before I launched my first 3 clutches. It started off as something I was just doing for fun, and I had no intention or idea that it would actually turn into a business. (It still blows my mind). You will never know your potential until you try. 
Where do you receive inspiration?
Everywhere: magazines, tv, people on the street, trends, patterns, color combinations, etc. Inspiration is everywhere.
If you could have one famous entrepreneur as your mentor who would it be?
Tory Burch. I remember reading a magazine article on how she got started with her brand. Her brand first started in her kitchen and now she has one of the most recognizable logos in the world. I ripped that article right out of the magazine and now keep it as a reminder to continue pushing. I learned to sew in my grandmother’s kitchen, and it’s where I made my first clutch.
Do you feel your life is balanced between work life and your personal life? It’s as balanced as it can be, I guess. I try to make sure I make time for the things I want to do. Come holiday season, that may be a different story.
Soundbytes:
What is your most indispensable gadget: My iPhone, of course.
What’s your favorite app? I sell my clutches on Etsy, so it may be no surprise that the Etsy app is my favorite. It makes being on-the-go so much easier. I can do just about anything to my site with this app.
What’s your favorite account to follow on Twitter: Hmmm. I don’t think I have one!
What’s your favorite item in your closet: That’s a hard one! I have so much in my closet that I’ve taken over another closet in the house. I am, however, in love with a new clutch on my site. It’s the one pictured: leopard printed calf hair. I take it almost everywhere I go.
To learn more about Cortnie follow her on twitter, peek inside her life on instagram and buy one of her amazing clutches. I am currently eyeing the Comic Leather Statement Clutch.
This post includes affiliate links to Amazon which I will receive a small commission on sales generated by your purchases.
