These days, it seems like everyone is working a gazillion jobs, pursuing infinite passions, and traveling all over the world. Over the coming days, we will be introducing you to a handful of the East End’s top talents whose success is generated by their magical ability to mix it all up. Meet Gretchen Maull!
Gretchen Maull (Courtesy)
Various Hustles: “I’m the creative director and founder of GG Maull, a handbag brand characterized by functionality, aesthetics, and purpose. My responsibilities are… everything! One of the highlights of starting your own company is getting to wear many hats. When I worked for Oscar de la Renta and Juicy Couture, I was just a handbag designer. Now, I create beautiful bags, strategize innovative ways to sell, and impact women’s lives.”
How I Mix It Up: “This year, I decided to pull out of most wholesale accounts and launch an innovative concept called Voice Your Vision, where the customer gets to vote on what colors and handbag styles are put into production — a job typically done by the buyers of department stores. Giving the power of purchase back to our customer has opened up new opportunities for GG Maull. Women hold 80 percent of the purchasing power in the U.S., but female-founded companies only represent 4.2 percent of the revenue.
Hosting events with other female-founded brands has been empowering to create a direct relationship with our customers while simultaneously being able to assist other female-founded businesses with their growth. Creating beautiful handbags wasn’t enough — I wanted to have a purpose for GG Maull. For me, this is honoring the Italian artisans who make each handbag, the environment, and the women who carry them. At GG Maull events, we also purchase our food and beverages from female-founded brands. This has expanded from work events to the products I purchase for my home. Now, my friends will text me recommendations of a delicious drink or lotion they tried that was created by women!”
Growth Strategy: “Take risks! It’s the best way women can build confidence. In my personal life, I recently bought a house in the Hamptons. This huge increase in responsibility has forced me to work on my prioritization and communication.”
Hamptons Obsessions: “Spending time walking on the beach gives me clarity and the headspace to be more creative when I’m back in the city at work.”
Read the complete new issue of The Daily Summer below!
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