Samantha Francis-LaTouche has been making a name for herself with her handcrafted accessory line. I’ve known her since college (a long time ago), but only discovered her business about two years ago. I was absolutely impressed with her work and was immediately drawn to one of the products which sets her apart from the rest – those fancy fascinators! I finally got the chance to chat and do an interview with her. Continue reading to learn more:
1. Hello Samantha. It is so good that we finally got the chance to chat. I know you’ve been working tremendously hard on your business and have been showing up in many events. To start, tell me about yourself and where you’re from:
I was born in Annandale, St. George also known as Malfoot. I am the first of seven children; three girls and four boys. I am married to the most handsome man in the world, Claudious La Touche, and a mother of three handsome boys. Their names are Christian, Caleb and Carell.
2. What is the name and nature of your business?
The name of my business is PurElegance Designs™. My tag line is ‘Unique designs for your peace of mind’. My main aim is to design and create matching accessories that can turn a boring piece of clothing into exciting, timeless, elegant pieces. I love that I can take a simple dress that was worn many times and add colourful, vibrant accessories to make it look brand new. I listen to customers needs and wants and find fabric to suit their taste and style.
3. I love that! Tell me more about your accessory line.
The products I provide are handmade clutch purses, fascinators, hats, earrings, necklaces and bracelets all made by me.
4. What led you to become a designer and making these unique fascinators and purses? Do you have a background in design?
I always loved design from small. I always wanted to be a fashion designer. I had lots of day dreams of designs I would even dress myself in my mind and knew whether I would look good or not way before I put on the actual clothing. I always had these burning desires to design but never made the attempt until the church I attend New Life Fellowship one of the requirements for women is that our heads must be covered as a member of the church. One day I was talking to God and I said to the Lord, “Lord I know I can do something with these hands. I don’t know what, but if there are any gifts in me, show me Lord how to make a hat so that I can wear at church. I can’t buy these expensive hats in the stores.”
Within a week, the desire grew stronger and I started having day visions on how to cut and sew the hat. Still not sure of myself, I tried YouTube and Google to get clarity on what I was seeing. That did not help and so I had to trust God and by faith made my first attempt. I sewed my first hat and saw that it was good. I did it again again and again, went to church with them and people were interested. They even asked my husband where he bought my hats. My husband laughed and told them I made them. They wanted to purchase, but I told them I only made hats for me. They were persistent and so I made and sold realizing this was a business and it needed a name. Then a sister asked me to make a purse for her. I was like “WHAT?? I can’t do that!” I Googled and again, I didn’t get what I was looking for so I did it by faith, trusting God. It blew my mind and so the accessories ideas came one by one within months.
5. Was it difficult for you to start this new business and explore your creativity? Were there any challenges?
The challenge I have is sourcing materials here in Grenada. It’s so sad that we don’t have that wide variety of fabrics or certain materials to get a certain look.
6. I noticed that most of your products are African print. Do you also provide solid colours for those who’d opt for that?
Yes, I love African print. It was the fabric I used when I started my business. It’s vibrant, colourful and uplifts simple and dull colour. If a customer prefers to have solid colours, that can definitely be arranged.
Unique Designs for Your Peace of Mind
7. What did you do to overcome those challenges?
I was able to bring in or import some of the products.
8. What brings you the most joy in doing what you do?
What brings me the most joy is to see the happy faces of customers when they see my products.
9. Any words of advise for upcoming entrepreneurs?
The advice I have is that God has given everyone a gift. It is our role to find that gift and tap into it. Never let fear grip you of taking first step of what ever desires the Lord would have put into your heart. Trust God.
10. Any new projects ahead Will you be participating in any upcoming activities?
Definitely looking forward to expand and yes! I will be joining other local entrepreneurs on May 25th, 2019 in Flavours of Grenada Food Festival being held at Port Louis. So come out in your numbers to support.
Thinking about getting one of those fancy fascinators or an Ankara print matching purse and necklace? Find PurElegance Designs ™ on Facebook or Instagram @pur_elegance.
Photography by Kizzy Rennie of IsleofBites.com.
