What made you decide to pursue a venture in your industry?
We started out as home textile company in 2001 and after 6 trips to India we found the amazing high end manufacturer of our gorgeous Cashmere/Silk blend throws. The same manufacturer also carried beautiful pashmina shawls and convinced me to take a few to sell in the United States. I took a few samples to my first home textiles trade show in North Carolina and the catalog company Acorn was so enamored with them that they ordered 1000 pieces for their holiday catalog. The shawls quickly and unexpectedly became the main focus of our business driven by strong customer demand and their uniqueness.
What would you say separates you from your competition?
Several factors separate us from our competitors. The vast majority of shawls on the market are not made of authentic and natural materials. Our shawls and throws are made of a delicate balance of warm cashmere and soft silk providing for amazing natural warmth, softness and quality. Our pashmina shawls and throws are also woven, not printed and therefore are reversible providing two shawls in one. They are high quality and will not pill or fade over time like the synthetic pashminas our competitors carry. They also come in an incredible array of colors and patterns not usually found in the market. The stunning colors and one of-a-kind patterns will liven up any ensemble. They can be worn with jeans or as a wrap with an evening dress and are just as warm as a heavy wool scarf without the weight and itch. When the shawl is not being worn it can be folded up so small that it fits inside a purse and since it is only a half a pound it is not a burden to carry on a hot day. Every wardrobe needs this beautiful and exotic addition as an alternative to the bulky sweater or jacket. Our products have been awarded best in show by LDB Interior textiles magazine and Inspired Retailer magazine. Our products have also been featured twice in Home Accents Today magazine.
Can you share some stories about satisfied customers?
The Gumps catalog has carried our merchandise in 4 of their catalog runs and is now carrying them in their flagship store in San Francisco. The Acorn Catalog ordered 300 pieces for one catalog season and added 700 pieces to that order within weeks. The Chintz chain in Canada purchased for their 4 stores after their buyer got complements on her shawl! I also had a small store called the Front Porch whose owner Chris said that she would "eat her hat" if she sold 6 shawls right away in her tiny store. She called back a few weeks later for a re-order. My store owners and catalog clients all use the shawls themselves and love them. They especially love to wrap themselves in one on a plane as they travel.
What does the future hold for you and your business?
With the recent launch of www.uniquepashminas.com, we bring our products straight to the public and reach a wider audience. We are confident that our customers will enjoy our unique, quality pashminas and our incredible prices. Considering what we have to offer the market, we believe our future will be very bright!
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