Spotlight on Linda Miles of Fashion Green T-Bags

This is the first in a series of pieces focusing on the stories of artisans and crafters who are in various stages of building a business.

Linda Miles is the proprietor of Fashion Green T-Bags, an online shop on www.etsy.com . Linda’s shop features eco-friendly totes, accessories and gift bags made from a variety of recycled materials.

Linda was inspired by television show that did a segment on using t-shirts to create reusable bags. Being concerned about the numerous negative effects that plastic waste creates environmentally, she decided to put a pin on the idea by re-purposing used t-shirts and clothing in hopes of replacing paper and plastic shopping bags and gift bags. The benefit to the environment is two-fold. Waste resulting from disposable paper and plastic bags is reduced due to the re-usability of the bags. Likewise, the clothing used to create these products is being put to good use when it would otherwise be thrown away.

Linda was encouraged by her friends to start selling her creations. Her daughter told her all about Etsy, a site that hosts web based stores where artists and crafters can sell their products. You can visit Linda’s website at http://fashiongreentbags.etsy.com and see all of her products.

I asked Linda to tell me about some of the challenges that she has faced thus far in getting her business up and running. “I am so new that I still have numerous challenges,” she replied. “One of the greatest is photography. I make changes with every object I photograph and still haven’t hit on something that works every time. Pricing stumps me too. I want my bags to be affordable to encourage use but I’ve been told by some that low prices can create suspicions about the bags quality. I just don’t know where to land on that one. I guess sales will tell.”

As to her greatest success Linda said,”Having fun and feeling like, eventually, noticed, purchased and used as an alternative plastic bags.”

Linda’s advice to those of us who are just starting down the path to creating a business is to always do our best. “If you wouldn’t buy it, don’t try to sell it,” she advises. “Make you customers happy, not only to keep them coming back but because it is just the right thing to do.”

Linda is constantly striving to improve her eco-friendly practices. “I learn something new almost everyday,” states Linda. “I am very open to suggestions, questions, critiques, etc. I can use the help of others. Lots of heads are always better than one!

You can see everything that Fashion Green T-Bags has to offer by visiting them at http://fashiongreentbags.etsy.com. Also be sure to stop by Linda’s blog ( www.fashiongreentbags.blogspot.com ) for all of the latest information on her amazing products.






Well, that’s all for today. We wish Linda the best of luck as she continues on in her business venture. Keep checking back regularly for our next spotlight which will feature Sara Sacks, the proprietor of Woolies on Etsy.