Collina Strada

Who: Hillary Taymour
What: Accessories
How:

What did you do before launching your own line/what is your fashion background?
I went to FIDM and I worked in Product Development at Guess jeans in LA.

How did the line come to be?
I made a bag for myself and started wearing it around the city. I got so many reactions from buyers, stylists, and all sorts of people I decided to run with it.

What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge has been deciding how fast to grow the business, sometimes I take a big leap one season, then I decide I need to pull back the reigns a bit on the next. It’s finding that middle ground of how many new styles to develop a season and what shows to do. 

 
What’s the ballsiest thing you’ve had to do to for your business?
Before I had even launched my first collection in stores I got a call from Target. They asked me if I could do a special bag for them for their Daily Candy shelf. Without hesitating I said yes! I had never manufactured in China before, it was a crazy experience. I learned a lot trying to fulfill such a large order. I have not been back to China since…
 
What advice would you give to an aspiring designer?
Don’t worry too much, if you think you will be a success you will succeed. Positive thinking always prevails.