What inspired you to create mb greene?
Mb greene started with a question, “Do you have a bag line?”. I was a showroom rep traveling Alabama and Mississippi selling products such as jewelry, candles, clothing, etc. to mom and pop boutiques. The bag category was popular among the buyers in my territory but also the other reps in the southeast were getting similar questions. I began creating mock ups using paper, tape, and scissors at my kitchen table. I soon decided it would be my mission to fill this void in the market. I used the knowledge I had gained in the wholesale industry for the last 10 plus years. I began researching, asking questions, and learning as much as possible about what it was exactly that others would be willing to buy.
What is your main goal in creating bags?
It is of utmost importance for every single design to be simple, yet functional. We also lean into
classic rather than “on trend”. We want to be your favorite go-to bag for years to come and a classic design will keep you traveling in style. We also take great pride in the quality of our bags.
What are your best sellers?
The Vertical Essential (a zippered cylinder like bag with interior compartments for organizing) has been our #1 seller since day one. It was designed for full size toiletries, but our
wonderful customers have shared so many more fun uses over the years— sunscreen, baby bottles, and crafting to name a few. We were intentional in the design of this style and all the others to consider placement for a personalized touch with a monogram or branded logo. This was feedback we heard often during the design phase so we knew it was important to
customers. Our ultimate goal is to give them what they want!
What inspires you as a designer?
Our story is art inspired and is woven into the different mb greene collections. Some of the art is a nod to my late sister, Mandy Bagwell, and other art influence is from original art by local artists as well as artists across the country that I admire and love. I am so inspired by the stories of other entrepreneurs. It seems everyone’s story begins with something they are passionate about, that passion leads to an idea, and a business opportunity is born. It’s amazing how the growing pains along the way are truly so similar for all of us hustling as entrepreneurs. I find the business stories of others to be encouraging and reassuring and a great reminder that all the emotions are “normal” as a business owner. Fun fact—my business journey started in my garage just like other founders that were integral in
the start of Disney, Amazon, Apple, and Mattel.
Where do you see mb greene in 5 years?
We love designing for our custom customers and intend to grow the branded marketing and gifting layer of the business that began in 2020. It makes us happy to create products for businesses that can be used for gifting, customer appreciation, sales incentives, marketing, or simply to share their story and spread joy that evolved from an idea and a passion. We are filling a need while using the customer’s brand story and budget.
What 3 things would you grab in a zombie apocalypse?
My cell phone, Nutella, and my favorite blanket on the sofa.
What's always in your handbag?
I am a bag inside a bag type and always have been. I always have at least 2 small zipper bags, my wallet, an M. Bagwell travel mirror, and for the last couple years, at least 2 or 3 pairs of readers floating around.
We want to be your favorite go-to bag for years to come and a classic design will keep you traveling in style.
Some of the art is a nod to my late sister, Mandy Bagwell, and other art influence is from original art by local artists as well as artists across the country that I admire and love.