A good friend once told me that running a business is much like raising a child. Among other things, a lot of patience and resilience is necessary. Given that she has a child and a successful business, I took these words to heart. Exactly one year later, my child has managed not only to walk but to fly! Certainly the most challenging and rewarding work I have done in my life, and only the beginning.
a girl and her bags by Prête Moi Paris
I have so much gratitude of the past 12 months to express… where to begin? Most noteworthy…
1. My assistant (aka my Italian) has been supportive since day one, always offering solid advice, and even criticism whenever necessary, constructive of course.
2. My network of friends and growing fans keeps me eternally grateful and inspired. Merci à tous!
3. I cannot even list the incredible press I have already received, including Marie Claire, Huffington Post Style, Do it in Paris, Luxsure Magazine… not to mention all the fabulous blog features.
4. Much like I love to travel, so do my bags. They are gaining an international presence, as far away as Malaysia and the Greek Isles. Be sure to enter my travel bag giveaway if you haven’t yet!
5. The French have taken a liking to my aesthetic and I am selling at Le Bon Marché. A great honor!
a little New York in Paris
What’s ahead in 2012 for kasia dietz handbags? Aside from designing new collections and continuing to work on many custom projects, I am always looking for ways to give back, as I did with my Japan fundraiser. In the upcoming months I’m collaborating with a UK company and British filmmaker Fiona Lloyd-Davies to raise awareness and aid abused women in the Congo. Here is a preview of the film and more about the project. A worth cause I am proud to be a part of.
I’m also planning many more handbag painting workshops since the first was a great success!
Lastly and very importantly, friend and bag fan Andi of Misadventures with Andi, is giving away a bag in support of small business owners. (There’s also an interview!) Thank you Andi!
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{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy first year!!! What an amazing year!!!! LOVE, love, love what you do
Thank you for all your support Ameena!
First year – smashing success! Can’t wait to see what brilliant things will come in year 2 . Félicitations!
Thanks Lindsey! You have been so wonderful in helping me get started, forever grateful!
Congrats, Kasia!
So excited to read this round-up. A great first year, for sure.
Still looking forward to meeting you – this damn schedule is keeping me from Paris.
- Nichole
Thanks Nichole! I know you will make it to Paris sooner than later and look forward too, to meeting you! À bientôt!
Congratulations on all of your success, and I hope to be part of your continued success into the future!
Thanks Linda! I’m happy to have met you and to be a part of your fabulous online shop !!
What an absolutely incredibly first year you’ve had, Kasia! You deserve all your success; you’ve worked so hard! Here’s to a great second year and beyond!
Thanks Sion, it’s been a challenge but well worth all the effort and hard work. Thankfully us New York gals are tough!
Such fabulous success, and well deserved!! I hope to meet you in Paris in February…;)
Susan, we shall raise a glass (or two) when I see you in Paris, soon!
Super de super congrats! I own 2 small businesses and while they take every ounce of my energy, I couldn’t imagine not having them!!!
Merci ma belle! Come back to Paris again soon!!
I would love to work with you on a Congo project. I have in-country contacts and am a returned Peace Corps Volunteer.
Many congratulations for the first year, Kasia! I know that getting a business past a first year is a key step, and look! You did it! I hope you feel very proud.
(You should be!)
Reading all the sweet comments and feeling the love is making me even more proud, thanks Karin!
Oh Kasia this is wonderful! I am so happy for you! I can’t wait to see how high your business flies!
XO
Sam
Thanks Sam! Perhaps it will fly all the way to Canada too!
Go Kasia!
Congratulations on your success and chapeau for using your popularity to push important social issues.
Success is in the bag!
It’s the least I can do to create awareness or raise money for those less privilged, that’s what leaves me feeling most fufilled. Thanks for your support Paul!
You rock, Kasia! So nice that you are giving back to the community and supporting women in the Congo. All the best for 2012.
-La Mom
Thank you for all your support and for sharing the bag love! Will keep you posted on the Congo project.
Congratulations Kasia… Your bags are gorgeous and you deserve all the success in the world… xv
Merci Vicki! Very kind of you!!
YOU are amazing, mon amie. Felicitations on all of your deserved success so far. More important, get ready to (not walk, not fly) SOAR! xo
THANK YOU my dear! Ready for take off….
such and inspiration!!!
congratulations, champagne, macarons and gigantic hugs are in order…
miss you much.
The best macarons and champagne are in Paris… in that case you must come here to celebrate! Miss you too ma cherie.
Yay you! Congrats on your one year business anniversary! And much success to you in the years ahead. Looking forward to seeing where your bags will turn up next!
Thank you Cat! You are a wonderful example of an entrepreneur to look up to
Reading all these amazing achievements of course reminded me of your passion for your art and your will to succeed. I carry your tote most days in NYC, and I love it still. Look forward to hearing more about all these exciting new opportunities in 2012!
http://www.styleonthecouch.com
Great work & you deserve all the good press & exposure. Looking forward to seeing even bigger and better bag business in the new year! x
Thanks Forest! I too am looking forward to what’s ahead…
Wow Kasia! Congrats!!! I love these bags, especially the city-themed totes. Again, congrats on your big year!
And ps – What are those amazing pants you are wearing?! Fabs. : )
Thanks Ella!! So happy you like the hand-painted bags, those are truly my ‘babies’.
ps. the pants are from ‘Maje’ a few seasons ago… love them too