Name:
Jacq Tatelman
Company:
STATE Bags
Contact info:
Email: Jacq@statebags.com, Instagram: @jacqtate, website: https://www.statebags.com/
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
4 years!
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
Scot and I started a non-profit summer camp for inner city kids coming from really tough neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Every year when the kids arrive to camp we would see a constant theme of the campers getting off the bus with their pillows in one hand and a plastic Duane Reade bag, or garbage bag in the other. All of their most important possessions that they would hand carry for a week away from home were in this horrible plastic bag. Scot and I could never shake that image – and that’s when the idea for STATE bags was born. So for every STATE bag sold we donate to local children living in situations of need.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
The philanthropic side of our business definitely helps us to stand out in this category, but the product is also unique, and fun despite the fact that its predominantly backpacks. Also, that we make bags for men, women and kids that infuse fashion, function, fun, and off duty cool.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
That we know who we are. We’re not trying to be something different to everyone and we have the best product/assortment out there to fit the needs of who we’re talking to. It’s the perfect bag to satisfy the off duty needs of that fashion women, and for men it’s the right amount of utility meets cool.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
We make it super simple to give back locally as well as provide quality product that functions and looks good. People like being a part of this, they enjoy the story and fall in love with the brand.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I mostly love everything. The give back is definitely top of the list, and bag drop events (when we donate) have been some of the best moments or days of my life. Some of my other favorite parts of the job are when new bag samples arrive, or new materials that will one day be bags. I love seeing something in a big giant box, filled with stacks of fabric cards, and think of ways to make it a backpack. That’s what makes our line exceptional – the stuff that no one else is doing in this space. It’s also exciting to create cool product for the whole family no matter what your family looks like.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
My favorite spot is in BK for brunch – Grandmas House on Atlantic ave. Its ridiculous and the food is so good.
How do you benefit mamas?
I like to think that personally I benefit other moms out there by being honest, and vocal about not having it all figured out. That some days I can’t stand working with my husband (even though he the best human being on the planet), I love my own irrational behavior, or even that sometimes I feel like I want to unzip the real me out of this skin, hop on a plane with my girls for a week and not call home. Ha! Maybe that’s just today! As for STATE: I think we help to initiate tough conversations with children about all types of hard subjects. Like race, poverty, homelessness, etc. I believe our brand, not only with product, gives parents a tangible reason to sit down with their kids and chat. Oh, and we definitely elevate that mama gym, beach, travel with kids style! I mean that packed playground-bound bag never looked so good.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
Honestly most of the feedback I get from customers I meet is about how “they never were a backpack person”, but now they want 25 different STATE backpacks – and I LOVE that. Love love. On the day to day though I would say I just appreciate the fact that so many people take their hard earned money and buy our product – they have so many choices and they chose us. That is the best.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Monica Royer - Monica + Andy
my girl & what she stands for – Art director/stylist Nicole Fasolino @nicolefasolino
(My camp friend) Ariane Goldman - Hatch
Jenny Greenstein – stylist @yoursoulstyle
Morgan Hutchinson – Shop Buru @shopburu
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
“It’s not where you are now, it’s where you end up that matters.” – my dad. I also love when my grandma says “you get more bees with honey” even though she is a tough bitch even at 102.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Seamless!