Spring is here

Bonjour,
I can definitely tell Spring is here! Customers always get excited about wearing their Jupiter Freedom hands-free bags when doing spring and summer activities. I always have an increase in orders in May up until August and it gets me very excited and motivated... Then we switch gears and we put ourselves in x-mas mode.

Here are some comments from customers:

"I found the Arm to be the best place (to wear it)!
Love my hand free bag!" Sarah B.

"I’ve been reading your blog and sending your website URL to all my friends! you so rock!! "dennie t.

"I just love your enthusiasm. I can feel it even online. I gave your armbag as a gift at Christmas and now I want to get one for myself." Ruth M.

"Hello, They are all wonderful... great idea!!! I never carry a purse... "Toni

"... Your hands-free arm purses were awaiting! They called out to me.. I am like WOW.. too much! I just became a mother of a baby pug dog who is nine months old.. Anyway, I was sporting an ugly funny pack (not exactly the sexiest thing on the block!) during our walks together. My husband wouldn't even be honest how goofy I looked when I took my dog for a walk.. Hahaha! Thanks for making these bags !!! I love supporting quebec artists, talents, and industry as well!! I am hip now and cool... We took our first walk hands free and it's PERFECT! Thanks again! MERCI MERCI!" Tracy K-S.

Have something to say or want to comment on our products? Send us an email at comment@jupiterfreedom.com

Be hands-free
genevieve

Toronto One a a Kind Show

Hi, I just finished a great Show in Toronto. Lots of people passed by and that was one of my best Show. I was very lucky to have a well positionned corner booth. I did long hours (11 to 12 hour-day) but it is always a pleasure to meet my customers and talk about my Jupiter Freedom armbags. Most people are very curious about how I came up with the idea, how I design them, etc. I also always get great suggestions...

This year I had a few requests for blue and green designs (most of my styles right now are red, pink, yellow) and for small size armbags. One thing that amazed me is the amount of teenagers (12-17 years old) interested in my bags. Although, I didn't design the bags with this clientele in mind, it makes perfect sense! They're too young to want to carry a purse but independent enough to have to carry a cell phone, id, money and keys. My other strong clientele is the 30-55 active women (runners, travellers, moms, with dogs, etc). They just love the convenience of my armbags + they are fashonable. What more can you ask?

I'm leaving next week for the Ottawa Spring Craft Sale from April 16-19. This is always a fun show! I'll keep you posted on how it went.

Below are some pictures of me getting ready for the OOAK Show and of my booth

See you,

genevieve

http://www.jupiterfreedom.com/

Amazing but true...

I am so happy right now... My friend sent me a text message yesterday telling me he just saw a lady walking by wearing a Jupiter Freedom armbag. The amazing part is that he is down in Florida!!! He is selling jewelry at a fair and saw this women passing by his booth so he asked her if it was a Jupiter Freedom armbag. Apparently she was as surprised as he was. She bought the bag in Toronto last year... MY armbag in Florida!! Wow I'm just stunned... It's a nice feeling...
gen

Going to One of a Kind Show

Bonjour,

I'm getting ready for the Toronto One of a Kind Show... To me, this is one of the most exciting time of the year. That means:

- Re-doing my booth design

- Making new Spring collection

- Coordinate bookings for car, hotel, electricity, passes, etc

- Promoting my presence to the Show to journalists and customers

- Prep work for product packaging (receipt, stickers, product cards, business cards, etc)

- Hoping for the best ;-)

For my booth design, I wanted to create a very strealime look and feel. To make my product stand out, the booth will all be white with some green here and there. To convey the "freedom" attribute of the product, I will suspend everything from the ceiling. Here is a sketch of what it will look like.

For my new Spring collection, I will have the cutest armbag! Here is a sneak peak at what I will have at the Spring One of a Kind Show.

Photo shoot

Bonjour,

This week I've been working like crazy on updating my website with new Jupiter Freedom armbags styles for Spring. Before I can do that, I needed to take pictures of all my products. I used to have a Montreal professional photographer do the photo shoot, but since I've moved, I need to do it myself for now. I think my pictures turned out good after all ;-) Her is a glimpse at the session... (see pictures below)

Since I'm a few seasons ahead, I shopped for great summer fabric in New York a few weeks ago. I'm so excited about their texture, pattern and vibrant colors. We are currently in production so they will be ready for the Toronto One of a Kind Show and for the Ottawa Originals Craft Sale in April.

Talk to you soon

genevieve

http://www.jupiterfreedom.com/

What do you think?

Let me know what you think...

January is the time to close the books, count inventory and plan the new year (which should actually be done the previous year but anyway...).

I thought alot about my sales strategy for 2009 and I've decided to focus my energy on Consumer Shows in Canada and US instead of selling through stores. Don't get me wrong... if a store is interested by my armbags I will be glad to sell my products to them. The issue right now is that by doing my product locally, production costs are high and because stores often request a 50-60% margin, it would be hard to survive - even with an increase in volume. By doing Shows, not only I keep the margin, but I develop a relationship with the end customers (who come back to the same Shows), I hear their needs and comments, I can tests products, etc. The costs associated with these Shows could be high but the revenues usually come accordingly.

I feel I could focus on a few markets (Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Chicago, NY, Baltimore) in 2009 and then sell in stores in 2010 when my volume is high enough that I can get better production costs.

Any other ideas or suggestions?
Please let me know

genevieve
www.jupiterfreedom.com

It's a wrap!

Curtains are closed on the Toronto One of a Kind Show.

What an adventure! It was the second time for Jupiter Freedom to attend this event and I am so touched by the feedback I got.

First of all, I had many returning customers from last March passing by my booth, buying more armbags for gifts or telling me how convenient it is and how they use it all the time when travelling, walking the dog, taking walks and more. Seeing them again and hearing their comments gave me a sense of accomplishment. I know I have a great product but when you hear it from your customers, it is very special. I even had three customers, who specifically came at the Show just to get my armbags!

Again, I was very touched by the reaction of people towards the idea of wearing a bag on your arm or leg to carry accessories. People say the same thing over and over again: clever!

It is very motivating to hear such comment and it encourages me to do more.

I'm now moving along to Ottawa for another Show at Landsdown Park from Dec 16-21. It is my first time in Ottawa so I can't wait to see the reaction.

Here are some pictures from the One of a Kind Show!

Take care

genevieve

http://www.jupiterfreedom.com/

It's a Go...

Today was the first day at the Toronto One of a Kind and it was outstanding!!
I'm selling my new armbag collection and so far, alot of people like the Secret Ocean and Secret Orient bags. (I will put a picture soon).

I'm in a section reserved for new artisans (G-56) and I am fortunate to have a great location - right by two aisles and the restaurant area. I always love going to Shows like these because I get to meet my customers and see which styles they prefer, for which activity, for who they want to buy it for, etc. Now that I've done several shows, I have people stopping by my booth and telling me they saw my product at the Clothing Show, at the Lac Memphrémagog, etc. Very interesting to see that people remember my products ;-)

Talk to you soon and hope to see you at the Show.
gen
www.jupiterfreedom.com

Santa is getting ready

Hi, Alot is happening behind the scene right now...

I'm getting ready to feature my new Jupiter Freedom armbag collection at the Toronto One of a Kind Show from Nov 27-Dec7 (Booth G-56) and at the Original's Ottawa Christmas Craft Sale in Ottawa from Dec 16-21 (Booth 302). Pass by and see me! I will have 6 new styles ranging from chic evening to sportswear. If you haven't been to the One of a Kind Show, you must go. Not just to see my arm bags (!!) but to see all the other artisans and original gift ideas. This is THE show to go if you are looking for unique presents for the Holidays.

My production is running smoothly and the bags are absolutely gorgeous! I'm now making little jewelry charms to attach on your armbag to jazz it up when going out. After conducting a satisfaction survey a few weeks ago, I heard from customers that it was a little hard to get to the pocket inside the bag. That said, you will be glad to know that I've removed the pocket and redesigned the card holder instead to also carry coins and keys. This new card/coin holder is removable and matches the armbag. I will upload picture very soon.

If you have other comments, please let me know.
Look forward to see you at the Shows.
genevieve
www.jupiterfreedom.com

On sale now

Hi,
Just wanted to drop a line to tell you about Jupiter Freedom fall Sale - until Oct 31. You can find armbags for as low as $29.99. As always, shipping is free for orders over $100. Buy one for you and for your girl friend! Great when going on a beach vacation.

Lately, I've been working hard on developing a new collection which I will present at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto and the Original Christmas Craft Sale in December. I'm very excited to see the reaction of people. I will have many different styles on display and I can't wait to see which one will be their favorite...

Talk to you soon
gen

www.jupiterfreedom.com