The odyssey of launching my handbag line (It’s selling out?!)

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Behind the scenes of my most ambitious launch yet: my first handbag collection. I'm taking you through the process, the ups and downs, the wins and all the work needed to make a fashion collection like this come to life.
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The handbag launch video: • Unveiling My First Han...
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[@helend6774]

The depth that you went to make your bags both environmentally and socially conscience is impressive. That is exactly what I want in a brand. Thank you.

[@justineleconte]

💙

[@planarian]

Justine was a pandemic discovery for me. Her conscientiousness, good sense, intellect, and groundedness are what made me a fan of hers from the first video I saw.

[@monicabarnett9231]

I’ve been a technical designer for almost 20 years…. Thank you for explaining fashion and product development to the average consumer!

[@patmartinez5045]

i´m not a designer but i like fashion, the thing that attracts me to your channel is your values, principles and work ethic. I can honestly say that you inspire me to work harder and inmediately after watching you I want new clothes (I can´t afford new wardrobe but I manage, and I work in engeneering construction so pretty casual). I love you so much and I really want all the success in the world for you Justine.

[@anaribeirinho4439]

Hi Justine, I bought a crossbody bag right on the first day of your Launch! How could I miss it? I was born and raised in Porto. So I am absolutely proud of supporting a local business and being women owned and operated is a big plus 😊😊😊 I am also very happy to support your work, I follow you for nearly 5 years and it's with great pleasure I finally own a Justine bag 😊😊😊 congratulations 🎉

[@justineleconte]

Yay thank you 🙏

[@leerodriguez9564]

This is giving me PTSD of when my friends and I decided to start a shoe brand on a shoestring budget over 10yrs ago in college! Absolutely massive undertaking, so spot on about development, we literally just ran out of money! thank you for sharing the behind the scenes more people need to know about this!

[@filososabke]

My bag arrived and I love it! It look like it does in the video and it feels so soft. I hope you have a lot of success with this line, it's well deserved.

[@justineleconte]

Yay! Happy you like your bag 🤗

[@julijakeit]

Which color did you get and which size?

[@jelenavrock2759]

Thank you for your honesty! I really dislike trend of sharing only wonderful and fun parts of success nowadays. Everyone is doing nice and great and if you have issues in your workflow, its only your fault, because everyone else didn't have any problems and it went all smooth. Its ok to re-shoot, re-make, return and ask for better version!

[@justineleconte]

That. Exactly.

[@bloggerblogg5878]

Yes, this trend isn't good. I mean if you are still knowing they are probably struggled or have some challenging, you also feel like you do something wrong and everyone else doing so easily. because they make things to seem to easy and fun.

[@AyaMBayomi]

first of all, I love those product, they're exactly the kind of thing I would've worn back in my nine to five job days. second, I cannot imagine the kind of mental energy went into the design and problem solving alone, you're a superhero for taking this project to success. and lastly, congrats on the great sales.

[@justineleconte]

It’s always team work. But yes, the mental load and the financial risk are on me…

[@tonyshine89]

Such a hard working person ❤ Bravo for the high standards and for the dedication❤❤

[@vickyrb2244]

Thank you for the look behind the process of your project. I’m in love with the vegan line. Even though I don’t want anything in leather, I respect that you have chosen leather tanned with vegetables and not chrom. I in awe to you how open you speak about all the steps of your journey with the collection.

[@ChristianeLevesque]

I work in manufacturing on the development side for instrumentation, and the process from design to launch is pretty similar. The only thing we have different is the need to make tools for the production cells. I understand the stress. Congrats on the launch.

[@Lucretciela]

Wow... Just checked out your site, and sales seem to being doing quite well. First bag I looked at was sold out. I am so impressed with all that you do. I've been following you since this was a small channel, with very few subs, and I just noticed you've passed a MILLION subs. That's amazing, and incredibly smart of you to put work into a KZbin channel along side your brand. No doubt, it will really help with the launch of your bag collection. You truly inspire me to do more. Oh... Love the bags btw.

[@lyzzochka]

As a project manager by profession, I appreciate the details you share with us! I also ordered a crossbody bag in sand as my Christmas present, looking forward to wearing it! It's so hard to find a quality bag which will last and is reasonably priced, last time I had to opt out for a bag with no hardware as it's the first thing which starts looking of as the bad gets older

[@crisnemitz1606]

Hi Justine, That blue crossbody bag is calling my name. I've never purchased a designer handbag and I'm trying to budget it in. I want your bag to be my first! I'm drawn to the blue because I've stopped dying my hair and my natural color is a silver color. Plus, I have a cool complection. I'm just trying to decide if I would be able to incorporate the blue as much as the sand color. I'm so thrilled for you! ❤

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

I find these types of videos the most interesting because I learn new things. Same happened with your clothing and jewelry lines. People have no idea what is involved in these small business ventures. Makeup artist Wayne Goss recently explained the problems launching his makeup line. The same with makeup artist Nikol Johnson. You follow your passion! The easy way out is for vanity projects where you sell your name to a big conglomerate which does all the work and takes most of the profit.

[@shananigans0117]

The more transparent the better. So many brands and online retailers are untrustworthy with what they tell customers about their products and business practices. The more I know the better I feel about supporting your efforts!

[@greenlandgem]

Love this! I was one of your viewers who requested a behind-the-scenes look at sourcing and design of your bag collection so I am very happy. :) While not (and unlikely to ever become) a designer myself, I've sewed clothes since I was a little girl and have always found learning how our clothing is made fascinating. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your experiences!

[@sbaumgartner9848]

Your attention to detail of the many steps involved is impressive. We Canadians have a very unfavourable exchange rate. However your prices are less expensive than I thought. I appreciate this as I agree with need more ethically produced products available to a wide range of consumers.

[@joeyoliver579]

@9:03 Cheap (lower end) camera, or a flash without a higher CRI. That alone will make the colors in the photos different. Its nice to hear you say that, even though the colors were off in the photos. I shoot Fashion Week in Paris every year, French folks understand how important lighting is.

[@gorejs8396]

Merci, Justine! What a pleasure to get 2 JL videos back-to-back. Thank you for taking us behind the scenes & giving us an idea of how much time, effort, planning, perseverance, & love went into launching your first handbag collection. The mansplaining story hit home; I'm so glad that condescending guy didn't get the job of producing your bags. I'm sure that finding truly beautiful & sustainably produced leather & finding the workshop owned & operated by like-minded women was worth all the time & trouble & risks you took. Your brilliance & integrity as an artist & designer are truly impressive.

[@donnamarinch2832]

I am so happy that you persevered in your journey. Thank you for sharing your story. My bag arrived this week. I absolutely love my crossbody bag in caviar black. I wrapped it up and put it under the Christmas tree. To ME from ME. Congratulations Justine!❤️👏🎄

[@justineleconte]

from you to you. I love that!

[@QuickSilverHair]

My hat’s off to you. It is so much work to produce a quality product and it challenges every part of you. This entrepreneurial life is not for the weak of heart. I just pulled the plug on a seven year long goal for my company and it ended up being 100% the right decision.

[@sarahwatts7152]

I couldn't afford one of these bags, but I know without a doubt that they're worth every penny

[@lynnedenney9771]

I bought the black leather pouch (I wanted something larger but just couldn't swing it in the budget right now). It is so soft and supple -- a real treat to handle! Lovely collection

[@justineleconte]

Awesome! Glad you like your purchase 🥰

[@lemonchoc66]

I am an avid follower of yours and admire your design skills and all the hard work and honesty you wrap them with. You have educated me in lots of behind the scenes activities in fashion and always explain things in a non-condescending way that people not in the fashion industry can understand. Your behind the scenes work with your bags really makes them extra- special and a treasure to own. Unfortunately I am not in such a place yet but I am saving and will hopefully be in a position to own my dream Stone Blue tote bag in the near future.

[@cathrinagroiss604]

I love the designs and your brand values. Unfortunately they are mostly out of my price range, so I am glad other people can big and enjoy them. Salut for selling out the stock. So happy for you

[@korinaviado3333]

How extra special do we feel knowing how our bags were made? I know I am 😃🩵! Any movie recs once we get our Surfshark? Aren’t we spoiled seeing shorts and videos this week 🤩

[@justineleconte]

In Portugal I watched the Brazilian series “3%”, utopian scenario, very interesting.

[@suzyc4112]

I sincerely appreciate your skills as a designer. I purchased the wool dress you created for your first collection (one of my favourite items of clothing), and earrings from your second collection (frequently my most complimented part of a look when worn). This collection looks amazing!!!

[@annescholten9313]

Congratulations on your first handbag line.🎉 Thank you so much for sharing a perk into the production process, from start to finish.❤ You have every right to be proud of yourself and your team!!!

[@NikkiSchumacherOfficial]

I am not on KZbin much and when I am, the algorithm hasn’t been suggesting you. You popped into mind today and I came to check on you. Wow this is amazing. Way to go Justine! My dream would be to be able to support small businesses like this who make quality products. Never used SHEIN or temu and never will.

[@NatureHarmony_]

I've already been on a holiday with my bag. Quality is outstanding and knowing all the details during the manufacturing process makes it even more special.

[@tcng1518]

Congratulations on the successful launch! And thank you for always sharing your genuine, intellectual and principled approach to everything you do. Have a subscriber for some years now and really admire your authenticity and tenacity. ❤

[@justineleconte]

Thank you so much!

[@ljupkan3873]

OMG, this was so interesting, this is the reason you are my favourite person I follow, the knowledge, the skills, the curiosity, hard work, love, talent, beautiful final product and we get to see the road 😊... congratulations once again and goood luck in future 👜❤️

[@justineleconte]

Wow, thank you!

[@akask6458]

thank you for this. Informative behind the scene look that most of us are unaware of. Love your stance on sustainability and ethics as well. Would love to have more on how to select quality. ethically etc. Can ever be educated enough on this. Also would love to see what you have done to your house in France and interior design.

[@diorrybak335]

Thank you for explaining the many facets of pre-launch production. What an interesting journey of it all coming together, many gears turning in sync to propel the machine. Much appreciated.

[@katerinajoan257]

Congratulations, not only on creating an excellent product, but on pushing through the difficulties and growing as a designer. I hope this opens many more doors and opportunities in your future, and for others as well. Thank you for what you do!

[@ElizabethDohertyThomas]

I just got your bag on my birthday! It feels so soft and even my husband was super impressed with the details. My biggest splurge on a handbag in my life, even though it is so reasonably priced for what it is. :)

[@justineleconte]

well then happy (belated) birthday!! 😄

[@murdermittensnyc]

Hi hi! Retired teacher of math and business development. SO GLAD TO HAVE YOU SHARE THIS JOURNEY! Will absolutely be sharing. Wish more people understood how difficult - and the ways in which things are difficult - it is to get a real product off the ground. Congratulations to you! Big hugs to you and cheering your continued challenges and successes. ❤❤

[@GINGER70HINTZ]

Dificilisimo, you get it because you are very fluent in español. Español y Portuguese share some words. Collection is beautiful congratulations. Kudos to you because you stayed firm with the high standards that you always mentions for products.

[@Galastel]

Any chance you'll be doing a second run of those bags? Maybe with preorders, so you can be more confident of the quantity? I should really like the tote bag in that red which you only had for the smaller items.

[@33goodwitch]

I cannot wait to be able to save up enough to get one of these bags,I love leather as a material but the canvas one is my favorite color :) so hard to decide!!!😂

[@JJJettplane]

Beautiful handbags. I miss using them. So much crime in Seattle where I live I no longer carry one.

[@anyaroz8619]

Justine, please give an update on the house. Were you able to do what needed to be done or did you just walk away from it? Your bag line story is amazing. I never realized just how much work a production involves. You are great! Thank you for sharing!

[@sadhbh5731]

Thank you for being so generous to share all of the behind the scenes, you are an inspiration!

[@justineleconte]

Thank you 🙏

[@jenniferouk4376]

I am inspired by your hard work. I love handbags and if I were a mouse, I would live in them, lol. I like watching 'What's in my bag' videos. Would be cool to see what you carry and what fits in there. Also to note any signs of wear after x months and x years.

[@sarame9537]

I am very impressed with the totes!! Particularly fond of the olive canvas. The whole tote with removable straps is THE way to go these days. The black leather is sold out!!! 🎉❤

[@adk5997]

I like the bag. The teal green colour is my favourite

[@rdb4996]

Love this behind the scenes! Goes to show why these bags are an investment and why they are a good investment. Unfortunately I currently have 3 handbags already, which I am going to use up (two got new straps). But once I am in the market you will be my first stop Justine!

[@sylviaumgeher9531]

I already own a totem warm sand and I love it!! Now as you have given us a look behind the scences I treasure it even more! Congratulations and all the best for your project!

[@elizabethmiko3423]

Hi, are you happy with the stitches? on the pics (on website) they look not so much esthetic and a bit thin . Want to buy one but that bothers me.

[@sylviaumgeher9531]

@@elizabethmiko3423 Well, considering that I have had the bag only for a few weeks, using it nearly every day, I am quite pleased with it.😁

[@marinaalba1707]

Your bags are beautiful and I’m impressed with the ethical and sustainable approach of your brand. And …. The best part…. I looooove that the patronizing gentleman didn’t get to produce your line LOL Well done Boss Lady! 👌🫶❤️

[@annicalofling687]

Justine congratulations to you on your launch and your hard work. I always learn something new when watching your content and I appreciate your attention to detail , making sure to convey not only the creative part but also the practical part of fashion and making it so very interesting at the same time. 🥰✨💯👌

[@justineleconte]

Thank you so much!

[@nannybannany]

Thank you for this! I'm so glad you spent time at the factory. I am a brand new sewist (first touched a sewing machine in January 2023) and I recently took a class at a local clothing brand factory. It was very eye opening to tour a small facility (Fourbital which is also woman-owned!).

[@wullivieh]

I love this look behind the scenes! To be honest I think I appreciate a lot of the products I use more if I know more of the process that went into them, so I'm always happy when these kind of stories are shared.

[@lynnenameller]

I really appreciate what you say. The jeans I love are from a small company in Wales, UK and the BBC made a programme about the factory and I had no idea how many steps and pieces go into a pair of jeans.

[@glennamartin193]

I love the bags but the US is in a state of inflation for most of us. There will be many that can afford these gorgeous bags. I will just have to save and save. Good luck Justine I can think of no one that deserves success more!

[@andreasydow67]

I'm jaw dropped in awe. You are such an inspiration on so many levels. Thank you for showing what is possible!

[@LAVA-el5yt]

Thank you so much for letting us see behind the curtain of your business! We usually only see the finished product and the success. Your video is very helpful and inspiring for those of us with big projects!! Beautiful handbags, too!!!

[@GabdeVue]

I cannot tell you, how much a video like this makes me trust in your brand and you as a creator. You always come across as very organized and knowledgeable - and that includes the areas where you are not an expert and say so. And you are somebody who needs a visual language for their products, their brand, so of course you know about photography/videography, but that your standard is so high, that you could not compromise on that, speaks volumes. I also love how your story and the product itself it doesn't scream 'power to women' it just... IS power to women : ) Right now, a bag like this is outside of my scope but i'll hope that there will be one in stock once I need a new bag. I bought one a year ago that I am happy with and tend to use my bags until i cannot use them anymore. You're doing amazing work, thank you for sharing the process with us.

[@justineleconte]

thank you for all the compliments!! I just know enough about photography / videography to be able to recognize what's good work and what isn't... but I cannot fix it myself. Maybe that should go on my to-learn list for next year.

[@worthtryingonce]

Love this! So happy you are posting more videos again ❤

[@jsproles99]

I love my first designer handbag! I’ve received Many compliments and I tell everyone I know the caring details that went into it because I know the designer…. Well I follow the designer!😊😂

[@marina7021]

Just got my canvas cross body. Love love love. Thank you!!!

[@justineleconte]

Yay!! 🥳💙

[@sagaesedinrojo6783]

So much hard work, Justine! Congratulations! Your clients know they can trust you because you have so many quality criteria. Bravo 🥰

[@CorinaAllan]

Congratulation. ❤ I will have the small black bag and the red wallet under the Christmas tree from my husband. Can not wait for it. I have launched my upf clothing brand in Romania this summer and I went to so much trouble with the factory. They can’t seem to understand that quality is the most important thing.

[@molamolalaaa2968]

Your bags look fabulous!

[@rimeter401]

What a nice and detailed explanation. Congratulations on the launch!!

[@azapotoczna2000]

Justine, you are such an inspiration, surely not only for me! I love your bags and you for sharing your journey with us. I wish you a wonderful holiday and look forward to more of your content and products. I just visited Porto myself and felt in love with it!

[@carlaaguirre1388]

Your struggles matter to meeee, thank you for sharing them with honesty Justine ❤

[@gidafenba]

Congrats! I hope for many more launches to come.

[@vanta6lack]

Congratulations Justine!

[@adriennebrown3778]

Huge congratulations Justine 🎉 well done

[@coupdeforce]

It's amazing how you went through the entire process from design to production.

[@Coral_Forever]

What a gift to hear your story of bringing the world these lovely bags!

[@veliAnne]

love the story behind the scene. thanks for sharing

[@PatriciaGoodsonpianist]

I really enjoyed this. And I love my blue Crossbody bag. It’s beautifully made, and very practical. I only wish that the strap was blue instead of black, but that’s a pretty small thing. Thank you for going to so much trouble for us!

[@b.pragmatic]

The warm sand color is lovely!

[@durhamgrigg3125]

Gosh !!!! SO WONDERFUL!!!! Absolutely L O V E your bags.

[@berritandersen288]

I admire you and your work. It is so enlightening to lern about the processes! 🙏

[@maisacietto5082]

It’s so interesting to know the behind the scenes 😊😊

[@deirdrecollins4287]

Loving the new bag and wallet! Amazing!

[@sarahbhutta251]

What a journey! The bags look beautiful.

[@fuupuppy]

Learning the process and other considerations throughout production makes the final product more compelling. Congratulations on the handbag launch! 🎉

[@naziaali7560]

🎉congratulations Justine Perseverance paid off

[@josipag2185]

Congrats🎉🎉🎉 ❤❤❤ You have deserved all the success. I really like the crossbody bag ❤

[@meghaa5907]

I appreciate you so much Justine❤️ Both as a designer as well as a person. You are beautiful. Congratulations ❤️❤️

[@candiceagreevoiceovers6329]

Congratulations. Oh my stars! The next time someone says to me “but I worked so hard on it!” I will insist that they watch this video. It’s not done until it’s right.

[@canamassistant9144]

It was fascinating to learn about the process. Thank you

[@grithSP]

Congratulations and thank you for taking us befind the scenes 😊

[@justineleconte]

My pleasure 😊

[@dancingonthe3dge]

I loooovee this video!! We need a video on how to properly care for the bag.

[@user-db5tb2mm9x]

Justine, bravo! The bags look fabulous! I am definetly going to get one.

[@jaderhiece4318]

Just received my crossbody bag and it’s perfect! I absolutely love love it! Thank you for providing a wonderful sustainable product.

[@sschul5886]

They look super nice!

[@0Gaaby]

Love your videos and is so inspiring to see a woman with that kind of mindset and values that you carry and share over here on youtube. Wish you luck and all the best.

[@angelirohival6270]

Your bags are beautiful!

[@rhosymedra6628]

thanks for sharing this! It was really interesting to get a look into the behind the scenes work that goes into a handbag line!

[@hellegilbert3000]

Thank you Justine.

[@josibc3524]

Congratulations on this beautiful and hard work journey 🎉

[@sphhyn]

Congratulations on your successful launch.

[@julialucas1482]

Congratulations on your success. The products look beautiful and I am sure they are nice and soft too.

[@charmedprince]

🎉🎉 Good luck, Justine! 🎉🎉

[@carollinewalker]

I wish more brands like yours existed. Congratulations, Justine!

[@justineleconte]

Thank you so much!!