Tell us about TOTE.MODERN.
TOTE. MODERN. reduces single plastic bag use and their subsequent effect on the environment, via a range of stylish, sustainable and ethically sourced reusable tote bags. Our totes are perfect to use at the supermarket, local market, farmers market or produce store, TOTE. MODERN. totes have been designed for the fashion conscious and environmentalist in all of us.
What inspired you to start TOTE.MODERN?
My Co-Founder Amanda and I were aware that single use plastics are creating huge environmental issues but when we read that globally we are using more than 500 billion single use plastic bags per year, we decided to take action. We are environmentally conscious, socially conscious and fashion conscious, and there was nothing on the market that suited our tastes, so, TOTE. MODERN. was born.
Tell us about your career and background.
I’ve been in the PR industry for more than 20 years and running my own PR Agency, Kate & Co. PR for over 10 years. I’ve worked across a number of international, national and local brands in the fashion and lifestyle space, as well as many large-scale events including the Australian Open, Melbourne Fashion Festival and the Racing Carnivals in both Melbourne and Sydney. Having such a significant background in PR, social media, influencer engagement and digital media, has really helped launch the TOTE. MODERN. e-commerce business with great success.
Describe a typical workday for you (if there is such a thing).
You are right! There is no typical day, except the fact I have a latte every morning from my local café. I have two kids, and they have varying schedules so drop off can change daily. The Kate & Co. PR team are working from home two days a week and we have really only started back in the office in the past couple of weeks. Now that TOTE. MODERN. has launched, my daily routine includes packing orders! There is another weekly ritual that I love, and that is Wednesday morning team yoga, I try not to miss this.
Has COVID-19 affected your business? How are you navigating that?
Initially we lost a number of clients in the F&B and travel industries and there was a quiet period, but beyond that we have been lucky, and Kate & Co. PR has come through the pandemic with a strong team and amazing mix of clients. Last year, when Amanda (who manages Business Development for the agency) and I found ourselves with some extra time on our hands, it was then that gave us the space and time to create TOTE. MODERN.
What advice do you have for those wanting to start a business?
The hardest part is getting started and then it’s staying accountable. If you find something, you’re passionate about, it will be easier to keep motivated. For Amanda and I, we found that working together from inception to market kept us accountable and motivated to get TOTE. MODERN. off the ground, on your own it is much easier to procrastinate!
What’s next for you, and TOTE.MODERN?
We have been so overwhelmed with the support we’ve received since the launch, and we’ve already received some really positive feedback. Now, we’re looking to build on that momentum with future plans including launching limited edition designs, working on some collabs and we will eventually expand our product offering too.
To find out more about TOTE.MODERN, please visit www.totemodern.com
