Meet Danielle Smith of SOUN BAG in Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Smith.

Danielle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
We moved quite a bit when I was a kid, but I spent my adolescent years in Los Angeles. Art and creativity have always called me but after graduating I chose to forgo attending art school to go to a 4-year college to become a “professional.” I did that and it worked out but it wasn’t my passion. In 2004, I was living in Maryland and started a furniture design business. The business was doing well but very labor intensive so I searched for a creative alternative.

I did some soul searching and some google searches and found an accessories design program in NYC that spoke to me. Enrolling at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, I graduated in 2011 with a degree in Accessories Design. I was working for a footwear company designing women’s shoes when I got a call from David, aka Ski Beatz (Ski and I met in 1996, his sister is my friend and college sista). We linked up in NY and two years later, we were hanging out when he asked me to make him a bag for his MPC. Ski was using Native Instruments MK2 heavy at that time. So, I did! He posted it on his Instagram and it just grew from there. The first bag had a whole different look and name. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd editions, I handmade at home in Yonkers on my machines, packaged and shipped them out. Ha! Those have my real blood sweat and tears in them. What’s out now is the 4th and 5th editions that are manufactured overseas but the thank you notes are all handwritten by me. I like personal touches and truly appreciate the business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Some of my struggles have been self-inflicted. Lol. Overthinking a process until it freezes my progress, all creatives go through it. It slowed things down but I’m still here and we’re still moving forward. Communicating has been a challenge because I’m kind of shy. I’m old school, let the product speak for itself, but on the day of smartphones and social media, it can read as AWK-WARD. Look, I was familiar with fashion, but the music I didn’t know. I know what music I like, but I’m not a music maker. So, getting out there to connect with my customer was a challenge but now I enjoy it. Its instant feedback and it’s always good vibes and I get to witness some amazing talent firsthand.

This was my first real attempt at a brand and business after graduating. I had talked a good game in school, but when it was a time I was nervous about everything. As an artist, I felt consumed with the business side of it all and anxious to get through that so I could create, do the graphics, build the website, create hang tags, the fun stuff. It was a challenge to stay focused on putting out a product when there were administrative things that needed to be carried out, and I was working part-time. Once I secured manufacturing and had a product that I was happy with, then it was time to create the brand. We launched in July of 2016, and the response was amazing! It was all love as well as constructive criticism. We took that feedback and put out a bag in 2017 that our customer specifically asked for. Oh, and sleep, sleep is a challenge when you’re running a business. Lol. Being a creative has its challenges and with SOUN bag I just want to inspire people to keep going. No excuses, grab your bag and GO!

SOUN BAG – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
SOUN Bag is a bag that was created for music producers. A backpack to transport gear from the home studio to sessions with other musicians, gigs, exec meetings, and crate digging. However, during development, it became clear that it could be a bag for not only musicians but everyone. SOUN bag has been used by customers as a camera bag, book bag, laptop bag, overnight bag, diaper bag and more. Regardless of who or how it’s used, if you’re carrying a SOUN bag, you are showcasing music, sending a salute to the music makers.

We are known for our producer/DJ bag but we also drop new apparel and accessory items periodically and continue to stay involved in promoting businesses and artist that showcase music, art, or fashion.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, an element of success is finding a mental, physical and spiritual balance. When there’s a balance, there’s a much smoother ride through the highs and lows of life. I think you have successful moments, but there’s always room for improvement, growth and the next adventure. Find balance and you’ll feel free. Freedom is having your wants and needs met, and ultimately being the director of your life. For me, that’s a success.

Pricing:

• Retails for $185-$195.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sounbag.com
• Email: Info@sounbag.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soun.bag/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sounbag/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SOUNbag

Image Credit:
S7evenstrange, Ski Beatz, DJ Madpee, Danielle Smith

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