Semi-finalist Q&A: ReDunJeans

ReDunJeans gives a new life for old jeans: I turn old jeans into fashionable and fun handbags, totes, clutches, checkbook covers and more. I recycle the jeans by using all parts; top part for the bag, legs for the handles, bottoms and additional pockets.

Information from her grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Also, don't forget to cast your vote! YOUR vote will determine which entrepreneurs most deserve to be amongst the finalists.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I came up the idea while trying to find a way to create income from home. I was laid off from work and a caregiver to my husband and my Mom and need to stay at home to care for them. I had searched all of the "Work from home" suggestions to no avail and decided to try something I already know, sewing. I had created a couple of handbags out of old jeans for some Christmas presents recently and they were a big hit. My Mom always got compliments and "where did you get that?" when ever she was out and about. So I did a little research and found that there were some people making them but I felt that mine are of a higher quality due to the details and love that I put into them and that no two are identical.

What do you love most about running your own business?

I love working from home because I can set my own hours. I am not a morning person and sometimes work into the wee hours of the night if I am caught up in a project. I am also able to be available to care for my family and not have to drive home in a hurry. I am there and can take care of any situations that arise.

What makes your business unique?

It's not that my business itself is so unique but that my bags are. I do not have a set pattern when I start a bag. It is a process that begins with a pair of jeans or a piece of fabric and my mind goes from there. Every now and then I start a bag with an idea in mind and somewhere in the middle it can change direction and I come up an even better design and handbag. I get great joy and a feeling of accomplishment with each bag I create.

What are some of your top business-related accomplishments, or business lessons learned?

I have learned to RESEARCH - I have always done lots of research before starting any project. I love the internet and websites like Idea Cafe where you can find solutions to questions and even questions you didn't think about until you saw them, and you say "Oh yea, I forgot about that".

Why should the Idea Cafe regulars vote for you?

Why should Idea Cafe regulars vote for me? Because I am a stay at home caregiver looking for a way to make my dream of owning and running a profitable business from home a reality. A business that I truly love doing. I like working alone and at my own pace and this is the best way that I have found to do it, to be able to be home for my family, pay the bills and still do something that I love. I get great joy from creating and sharing my creations with others.

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