YGG: Sea Marie Designs
I’m back today with another “YGG”, featuring one of my favorite online accessory companies! Sea Marie Designs, owned by Chelsea Kidder, is “a coastal-inspired online accessories and gift boutique. They have a variety of handwoven bags made by Artisans across the world, an assortment of topknot headbands with frequently updated patterns and styles, jewelry with elements of pearl, rattan and tortoise shell.”
Sea Marie recently launched a Gift section which includes gorgeous tea towels! I personally have a few of Sea Marie’s headbands and one of the bags and I can attest that they are wonderful quality, and not the mention the prices can’t be beat! Let’s talk to Chelsea and learn a little more about the inspiration and heart behind Sea Marie.
Meet Chelsea!
Q. How long have you been in business?
A. The Sea Marie Designs website launched on April 1, 2019 - (Crazy how quickly 6 months has gone by!). However, months of planning went into the business setup prior to the website launch.
Q. How did you know you wanted to start your own business?
A. My oldest daughter started Kindergarten last year which freed up time that I had not had since having children. I knew I wanted to get back into the Design and web world, yet still have flexibility. Prior to having kids, I worked as a buyer for an Interior Design Showroom in Manhattan Beach, CA, a Website Development & Design Company in Washington, DC, and various well-known Retail companies. I wanted to start a business that combined all my interests together, therefore E-commerce seemed to be the clear answer!
Q. How did you decide on this niche?
A. I grew up downtown Annapolis, MD and have always loved coastal style. Rattan/Blues & Whites are what I’m naturally drawn to so when designing the logo and buying the products this organically became the branding.
Q. What was the hardest part about starting your business?
A. Fear. Your brain is wired to only let you do what’s comfortable and if you take a leap thoughts of doubt naturally get in the way.
Q. Where do you gather inspiration?
A. Current and classic trends. It’s also so fun to draw inspiration from the interior design world.
Q. What has been your biggest achievement within your business thus far?
A. The amount of yes’ you’ll receive if you just ask! It also doesn’t hurt to ask nicely. :)
Q. What are your current goals/plans for your business?
A. Keep bringing awareness to the brand. I would also love to expand with more home & gift throughout the Holiday season. We want to eliminate the hard work of finding the perfect present for a loved one or of course treating yourself. Accessories allow you to buy less and keep your wardrobe simple with basics. It’s amazing how a $16 topknot headband can instantly pull together a look with clothes you’ve had for years.
Q. What missions and values do you align with your business?
A. To offer the best customer service experience possible. Because we are a small business we can go above and beyond for every customer. No matter how big we grow, this will always be our mission. Each order feels like I’m gifting a close friend so careful attention to detail goes into the prep and packaging. We’ve really reached a broad age demographic with our products from college students to young working women, stay at home mothers, and have recently been featured on a Fashion over 50 Blog.
Q. What is one piece of advice you could give other women who are wanting to start their own business?
A. If you’re interested in diving into the E-Commerce world (or any world for that matter), find something you are passionate about. That enthusiasm will shine whether it be in your marketing/products - and also not feel like work!
How gorgeous are these products?! I love all of my Sea Marie accessories and I loved getting to know the lady behind the operation. I have some really exciting guests lined up for “YGG” that I absolutely cannot wait to share with y’all!
There’s always Something to Style Over!
xx, Lea