One more Show

Hi,
Just finished the Toronto and Chicago One of a Kind Show yesterday. Unfortunately, these two Shows run simultaneously so I had to go to Chicago on Dec 2 to set up my booth while Randee and Joanne were taking care of my customers in Toronto. We sold so many bags that most of the styles on my website are now sold out. If you would like to purchase a hands-free bag, please select one of the styles below. I will update my website tomorrow with all the new products.
Being on the road is hard work and long hours but as I always say it is always nice to meet face to face with my customers. Over the years, I've received great positive feedback and suggestions. Some of you asked me to make a little stylish pouch to carry your passport. I will do so in the next few months ;-)
Next weekend, I'm off to the New York One of a Kind Show. If you are in the area, please pass by and see me at booth G-17.
Talk to you soon,
genevieve
www.jupiterfreedom.com

New styles and colors

Hi, In a few weeks, we will head down to the One of a Kind Show in Toronto (Booth O-43), Chicago (Booth 8-2113) and then New York (BoothG-17). As usual, I am really excited about these Shows as they give me a chance to meet my customers. Plus, I've never sold my bags in Chicago and New York so can't wait to see the reaction...

It is my busiest time of the year again and I have so many new styles and products and don't even where to begin... Alright, let's start with the new styles for the main hands-free bag. All of the products below will launch at the Toronto One of a Kind Show. If you are not going to the Show and would like to order one of these styles, please contact me at info@jupiterfreedom.com

NEW STYLES

SOLD OUT
Polka (Brown with red, green brown dots)
Lime (Green, Grey, Black)
Honeycomb (yellow, white and grey)

Galaxy (black&white)

Awakening (white&red)

Bubbles (green, white, black, red)


SOLD OUT

Meli-Melo (1 left)


Also new, this season...
I had many requests for a "mini" bag to simply carry an mp3 player or cards and key while salsa dancing or even for kids when they go to a friend's house. These will be available in 7 different styles at the One of a Kind Shows.




You all know that you can wear your bag on your arm but did you know you can also wear it on your leg or waist?

The last new addition is the waist scarf. Again, a few of my customers were requesting to wear their bag around their waist. Although it was always possible by removing the elastic and looping a small belt, I wanted to offer another stylish alternative. Three colors will be offered: silver, cherry red and black.















If you are interested in one of the styles, please contact me for a pre-order. All prices are $49.99 (USD or CND) and include a charm jewelry, a matching change purse and the bag is wrapped in a silky gift bag (so you don't even have to wrap it!!). We promise that all bags will be delivered BEFORE Dec 24.

See you soon,
genevieve
http://www.jupiterfreedom.com/

At Ottawa Signature Show

Sorry about not writing sooner... Christmas is my busiest time of the year. I'm preparing lots of new bag styles and introducing my new mini-mini bag (which I still haven't found a name for it!!).

Currently, I am at Ottawa Signatures Christmas Show. Yesterday was the first day of the Show and it was outstanding. I had two nice ladies that passed by telling me that they bought respectively three and two bags last year. They were telling me how useful the armbags are. Honestly, this is why I love doing these consumers Shows so much.... I get direct access to my customers and hear what they have to say about my little arm wallet. It is very precious. Selling to a store is great for product distribution but you don't have this direct communication with the people that are buying your armbags.



Next stop is the One of a Kind Show Toronto, then Chicago and New York. It will be my first time in Chicago and New York and I CAN'T WAIT ;-)))

I'll update my Jupiter Freedom website with the new hands-free bag styles begining of November.

Think about me for your Christmas shopping ;-)

Be hands-free
genevieve
http://www.jupiterfreedom.com/

Get satisfied...

Hi, Every year around this time I like to do a survey with my customers to see how satisfied they are with our hands-free bags and hear their comments. I'm never nervous about it because I believe in the quality of our Jupiter Freedom bags but I definitely get excited about reading the feedback. I found out that...

• More than 82% of our customers are "extremely" or "very satisfied" with their purchases ;-)
• As I expected, most customers use their arm pockets for (in order): "traveling (city, beach, cruise, etc)", "doing sports (run, walk, bike, etc)", "when going out (bars, restaurants, clubs, etc)", "doing activities with kids", "walking the dog".

Many customers requested to buy an extra change purse and elastic strap online. We will update our website so you can do so.

In addition to our new mini bags (below), you will soon be able to purchase a silky belt to loop in your hands-free bag so you can wear it around your waist. Keep an eye on our new product launch in October!

Be hands-free,

genevieve

http://www.jupiterfreedom.com/

New "Mini mini bag" for mp3 players

Bonjour, I'm very happy to show you a prototype of my new Jupiter Freedom "mini-mini bag"!! I had many comments over the years about developping a bag just for mp3 players, for kids and something to wear at the wrist or ankle or to hide under a shirt, skirt or pants.

I've put much thoughts into this and I came up with the perfect little size bag to address these needs. It is much thinner and a little smaller than the one I currently have in my collection. (see pictures) and it holds the minimum.

Here are the differences:

Mini-mini can store: keys, lipstick, money, cards, small mp3 player

Armbag can store: keys, lipstick, money, cards, any mp3 player (including iPod)/camera/cell phone (including iPhone, any PDAs). This bag also includes a removable change purse.

I will let you know when is will be for sale (probably around Oct). Please let me know what you think at comment@jupiterfreedom.com

Be hands-free,
genevieve
http://www.jupiterfreedom.com/


NEW mini-mini bag



Current armbag

Jupiter Freedom at Artscape in Baltimore

Bonjour, What an awsome weekend at Baltimore's Artscape. It was my first Show in the US. Since this Show was in the same city as just moved in, it made sense for me to do it. I met lots of interesting people and sold lots of armbags ;-)

Again, I received many positive comments:
"This is the updated version of the fanny pack"
"What a clever idea!"
"I just lost my iPhone. I could have used this."
"I'm tired of bulky iPod armbands. Like this stylish Jupiter Freedom armband."

We sold many bags to men so I NEED to come up with a masculine line. Men just love the idea of carrying their Blackberry around their arm when doing sports instead of their pockets or on a clip belt. I will make one for my November Shows...

Here are some pictures of the event ;-)

BTW - My website is up and running again ;-)
Be hands-free
genevieve

Website - temporarily down

Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that my website is temporarily down for technical reasons.
Please visit jupiterfreedom.com again tomorrow to our fabulous collection of hands-free bags.
To order bags, please contact me by phone at 410 598.9661. Sorry for the inconvenience.

I'm also at Baltimore's Artscape until today (sunday) 8pm at booth F13;-)

gen
www.jupiterfreedom.com

On the Road

Hi,
As some of you heard, I moved to Baltimore a few months ago but still produce my hands-free bags in Quebec. It requires more effort on the logistic side (especially customs...) but it helps in developping the US market. I'm will be doing a few Craft Shows in Baltimore, Chicago and New York and have a few stores holding my bags. I have to visit Montreal every three months to go get more supplies for the next production but it a trip where I can mix work and pleasure by seeing friends.

Today for instance, I'm going to see a new production facility next to Victoriaville to see if they can make my bags. I need to have higher volume as I will sell more and more bags in stores as of 2010. I would also want to sell my hands-free bags in Las Vegas' hotels. I think they would be great for visitors as they could safely wear the armbag to shows, when walking the Strip, shopping and keeping their chips handy, etc. The World is big and lots of opportunities. So I want to make sure I can deliver ;-)

Oh, before I forget, please join our Facebook group and Twitter page for special promos and up-to-date info ;-)

Talk to you soon,
genevieve
www.jupiterfreedom.com

Spring is here

Bonjour,
I can definitely tell Spring is here! Customers always get excited about wearing their Jupiter Freedom hands-free bags when doing spring and summer activities. I always have an increase in orders in May up until August and it gets me very excited and motivated... Then we switch gears and we put ourselves in x-mas mode.

Here are some comments from customers:

"I found the Arm to be the best place (to wear it)!
Love my hand free bag!" Sarah B.

"I’ve been reading your blog and sending your website URL to all my friends! you so rock!! "dennie t.

"I just love your enthusiasm. I can feel it even online. I gave your armbag as a gift at Christmas and now I want to get one for myself." Ruth M.

"Hello, They are all wonderful... great idea!!! I never carry a purse... "Toni

"... Your hands-free arm purses were awaiting! They called out to me.. I am like WOW.. too much! I just became a mother of a baby pug dog who is nine months old.. Anyway, I was sporting an ugly funny pack (not exactly the sexiest thing on the block!) during our walks together. My husband wouldn't even be honest how goofy I looked when I took my dog for a walk.. Hahaha! Thanks for making these bags !!! I love supporting quebec artists, talents, and industry as well!! I am hip now and cool... We took our first walk hands free and it's PERFECT! Thanks again! MERCI MERCI!" Tracy K-S.

Have something to say or want to comment on our products? Send us an email at comment@jupiterfreedom.com

Be hands-free
genevieve

Toronto One a a Kind Show

Hi, I just finished a great Show in Toronto. Lots of people passed by and that was one of my best Show. I was very lucky to have a well positionned corner booth. I did long hours (11 to 12 hour-day) but it is always a pleasure to meet my customers and talk about my Jupiter Freedom armbags. Most people are very curious about how I came up with the idea, how I design them, etc. I also always get great suggestions...

This year I had a few requests for blue and green designs (most of my styles right now are red, pink, yellow) and for small size armbags. One thing that amazed me is the amount of teenagers (12-17 years old) interested in my bags. Although, I didn't design the bags with this clientele in mind, it makes perfect sense! They're too young to want to carry a purse but independent enough to have to carry a cell phone, id, money and keys. My other strong clientele is the 30-55 active women (runners, travellers, moms, with dogs, etc). They just love the convenience of my armbags + they are fashonable. What more can you ask?

I'm leaving next week for the Ottawa Spring Craft Sale from April 16-19. This is always a fun show! I'll keep you posted on how it went.

Below are some pictures of me getting ready for the OOAK Show and of my booth

See you,

genevieve

http://www.jupiterfreedom.com/

Amazing but true...

I am so happy right now... My friend sent me a text message yesterday telling me he just saw a lady walking by wearing a Jupiter Freedom armbag. The amazing part is that he is down in Florida!!! He is selling jewelry at a fair and saw this women passing by his booth so he asked her if it was a Jupiter Freedom armbag. Apparently she was as surprised as he was. She bought the bag in Toronto last year... MY armbag in Florida!! Wow I'm just stunned... It's a nice feeling...
gen

Going to One of a Kind Show

Bonjour,

I'm getting ready for the Toronto One of a Kind Show... To me, this is one of the most exciting time of the year. That means:

- Re-doing my booth design

- Making new Spring collection

- Coordinate bookings for car, hotel, electricity, passes, etc

- Promoting my presence to the Show to journalists and customers

- Prep work for product packaging (receipt, stickers, product cards, business cards, etc)

- Hoping for the best ;-)

For my booth design, I wanted to create a very strealime look and feel. To make my product stand out, the booth will all be white with some green here and there. To convey the "freedom" attribute of the product, I will suspend everything from the ceiling. Here is a sketch of what it will look like.

For my new Spring collection, I will have the cutest armbag! Here is a sneak peak at what I will have at the Spring One of a Kind Show.

Photo shoot

Bonjour,

This week I've been working like crazy on updating my website with new Jupiter Freedom armbags styles for Spring. Before I can do that, I needed to take pictures of all my products. I used to have a Montreal professional photographer do the photo shoot, but since I've moved, I need to do it myself for now. I think my pictures turned out good after all ;-) Her is a glimpse at the session... (see pictures below)

Since I'm a few seasons ahead, I shopped for great summer fabric in New York a few weeks ago. I'm so excited about their texture, pattern and vibrant colors. We are currently in production so they will be ready for the Toronto One of a Kind Show and for the Ottawa Originals Craft Sale in April.

Talk to you soon

genevieve

http://www.jupiterfreedom.com/

What do you think?

Let me know what you think...

January is the time to close the books, count inventory and plan the new year (which should actually be done the previous year but anyway...).

I thought alot about my sales strategy for 2009 and I've decided to focus my energy on Consumer Shows in Canada and US instead of selling through stores. Don't get me wrong... if a store is interested by my armbags I will be glad to sell my products to them. The issue right now is that by doing my product locally, production costs are high and because stores often request a 50-60% margin, it would be hard to survive - even with an increase in volume. By doing Shows, not only I keep the margin, but I develop a relationship with the end customers (who come back to the same Shows), I hear their needs and comments, I can tests products, etc. The costs associated with these Shows could be high but the revenues usually come accordingly.

I feel I could focus on a few markets (Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Chicago, NY, Baltimore) in 2009 and then sell in stores in 2010 when my volume is high enough that I can get better production costs.

Any other ideas or suggestions?
Please let me know

genevieve
www.jupiterfreedom.com