Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Zundel.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kendall. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Being a clothing designer by trade, I’ve always been inspired by interesting textiles. Whenever I travel, I usually come home with an embroidered table cloth or vintage kilm. About three years ago, I had decided that I needed to do something with all of the fabric I had collected over the years. I spent a Saturday morning working on a simple rectangle pattern (which still is our makeup pouch) and learned how to sew in a zipper via YouTube. Once I had a handful of the pouches made, I took them to my favorite boutique down the street, Cove, and they bought them on the spot. That was a great day!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course, there have been ups and downs along the way! I felt it important to keep my day job during the first three years of the business. And even now, I’m still consulting. There are a lot of long hours and even longer weeks, but it works for me. I don’t feel the need to put a ton of pressure on Lu + Elle, which helps keep the inspiration and creativity flowing.
What should we know about Lu + Elle? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Everything is made in California, either by myself or local women. People love our makeup bags as they are easy, unique gifts! And our Tote bags have really gained in popularity as well. I source all the fabric from around the world, oftentimes, repurposing vintage textiles.
What I’m really proud of is the fact that we give a portion of all sales to a new charity each year. This year, we are focusing on SeaLegacy foundation, which brings conservation awareness to our oceans and marine life. We have donated over $1000 dollars to charity since I started Lu + Elle.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
My advice for finding a mentor would be to start putting your feelers out there. You never know who will know someone who is exactly what you’re looking for… Just start talking about it! Also, I think it’s important to connect with other makers and join a support group of some sort. Having a sounding board of other makers is vital! You most likely have the same questions about wholesale, insurance, pricing, etc. and it’s great to bounce ideas off of one another. Also, you get a ton of encouragement and inspiration with these groups as well. I would be lost without my community of makers!! Shout out to my girls, you know who you are. 🙂
Pricing:
- Makeup Pouch $34
- Market Tote $120
- Clutch $88
Contact Info:
- Website: www.luandelle.com
- Email: hello@luandelle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luandelle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luandelle/
Image Credit:
@paigelaurendavenport- photographer, @rileystarrphoto- photographer
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