Everyone loves a great handbag, and particularly one that stands out due to the craftsmanship shown in its creation. So for all those searching for a unique handbag that is the epitome of exquisite handicraft, Trudy Mara is the brand to look out for. Founders Mirriam Murenga and her sister Getrude are on a mission to introduce the beauty of macramé to discerning, stylish women customers.
LoA found out more about this creative accessory brand that is winning new fans both at home and around the continent.
What does your company do?
Trudy Mara produces handmade macramé bags to cater for the increasing global demand for exquisite handicraft. The bags are made using draw string and a touch of love.
“Our product is a display of creativity and excellence, and anyone and any culture that appreciates creativity will definitely fall in love with our bags.”
What inspired you to start your company?
When my sister, who is co-partner in the business, attended a training session on how to make macramé bags and created her first product, I just fell in love with it. I knew I had to share this amazing work of art with the world. I wanted a product that can appeal to women all over the globe.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Our product is a display of creativity and excellence, and anyone and any culture that appreciates creativity will definitely fall in love with our bags. Our bags can make you stand out, if you are wearing anything ordinary and you accessorize with a Trudy Mara bag, you will look extra-ordinary. Trudy Mara takes the fashion elements that creativity provides to make a style that is all your own. It is that style that can have anyone look at Trudy Mara and say, “I should find another one like it”.
“Our bags can make you stand out, if you are wearing anything ordinary and you accessorize with a Trudy Mara bag, you will look extra-ordinary.”
Tell us a little about your team
My sister and I are the team behind Trudy Mara. Her name is Getrude, and it’s where the Trudy part of the name comes from combined with myself Mirriam, the Mara part of our brand. Both Trudy and Mara mean strength and I believe we are two very strong women. The Trudy Mara team will grow as we have plans to train other women and grow together as we take Trudy Mara to global markets.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I have always had the desire to start something in business, but I was not sure what exactly. I have tried a lot of things from network marketing, buying and selling, farming, and a whole lot more. I was looking for something of my own creation, hence the birth of Trudy Mara. I have an entrepreneurial spirit which comes from my entrepreneurial background. My late mother was very entrepreneurial, she taught us to work hard and to be independent.
“The Trudy Mara team will grow as we have plans to train other women and grow together as we take Trudy Mara to global markets.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I want Trudy Mara to become an internationally recognized brand, known for fine workmanship, creativity, and excellence. I want to expand my product offering to sandals which are made with the same material. I also want to be able to empower other women through training.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
A satisfied customer gives me satisfaction. I am satisfied whenever I become a pillar of confidence, and Trudy Mara is surely an accessory brand that can give confidence to anyone carrying it, so that gives me satisfaction.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
When I met Margaret Hirsch, founder of Hirsch’s Homestores, I asked her how she managed to build a multi-billion-dollar business from just USD 90 / R900 and she said patience, patience, patience. That’s the same advice that I will give. There are no short cuts to success. Have a clear vision of where you want to be and work hard to achieve it.
There is a great quote that says, ’’The road to success is always under construction, it is a progressive course, not an end in itself’’ (Unknown)
Contact or follow Trudy Mara
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL mmurenga2@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
They say that the starting point for any great business is finding your unique skill or product offering, and then using your passion to drive it forward. In the case of sisters Mirriam and Getrude, the creative force behind Trudy Mara, that creativity is found in their celebration of macramé handicraft. They are not only demonstrating their expertise in crafting the finest examples of macramé accessories, but they are taking it to a whole new contemporary design level. It is wonderful to see passion and creativity combining in such a successful way. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa