I am truly humbled at the amount of people who are supporting our insane little foray into the wholesale marketplace.  Thank you soooooo much from the bottom of my knotty heart.  :)  Some of you have written e-mails of support and others have supported us with purchases this holiday season and I can’t thank each of you enough.  In this retail climate where boutiques sales are down some 70% from sales numbers compared to last year - we know people are making more and more careful choices about what they buy.  From wholesale to retail…  It’s ugly.

I am doing my part by working on new bags that are cheaper using exciting new cotton prints and linen textiles.  Also ferociously negotiating the very best possibly manufacturing rates both abroad and here in California.  I’m working on a lead to possibly hit my target of “made in the USA” bags for 2009.  While it would be near impossible to have my full line made here in the U.S. - I really and truly want to do my part to support jobs here in the U.S. - especially when it feels like every hour - more and more American workers are getting laid off.  If you know of anyone who knows anyone in the manufacturing business here in the U.S. that might have machines strong enough to do handbag work - please let me know.  So far, I have been unable to find the perfect fit…

We continue to get press support.  We have been featured in quite a few blogs lately.  We are excited to continue to have grass roots support from around the globe.  I’ll try and keep the list updated on the site for those of you who keep up on all things Knotty and I’ll also update my press page for those of you who want to write an article on your own blogs or know people in the wonderful world of PRINT.  In other news, we are working on distribution in Australia and Northern Europe - Norway, Denmark and Sweden - possibly Switzerland as well…  I can’t wait to get my hands deeper into that market.  I feel a special connection with Scandinavia - and who doesn’t like Australians.

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So, in closing - I wish all of you the very best for the holidays.  My family and I are going to take a little ski vacation and a white X-mas.  I’m currently looking for good books…  I confess to having just finished the Twilight series - shhhhh!  They are really good!!!  E-mail me if you have recommendations…  I LOVE historical fiction…  Oh - and here’s one for you - 1421 The Year China Discovered the World..  If you are at all into traveling and have any interest in Asia…  I could NOT put this book down.  I think I’ve purchased about 12 copies for friends and family.  A fantastic theory and a great read.

That’s it for me - O - if you are on Facebook - I could use some more friends!  Look me up!  Jasmine Fullman and I’ll accept you!  ;)  Especially if you are a Knotty fan…  I’ll send you a virtual knotty bag from me to add to your personal Facebook page.  You can send them to anyone since we made the application.  Wicked fun!  Knotty is Nice people!!!!

XOXO  Jasmine

I can’t believe how fast Fall has quickly faded into Winter!  It’s been so nice to be home and enjoy the colors and family these past few months!  And business has been steady despite the economic woes we seem to be feeling all around the globe…  Some of you know I just returned from Shanghai for a 10 day spring/summer work trip and I can tell you even there - the expats are starting to feel the pain.  Some families brand new to China are being asked by their companies to pack-up and move back by Christmas…  I couldn’t help but feel the stress and frustration felt by many of them. Quick thank you to all of you who have stocked up on Knotty products for everyone on your holiday gift giving lists…  We are thrilled to have moved so many bags so early barely December 1st!  Shanghai ladies continue to amaze me with their ever loyal support to Sharon and the rest of my team there - and there is an exciting new grass-roots movement of fans here in the U.S.  Welcome!  It seems like everyday I find a new Internet blog posting or article written about us in a green living magazine or cool finds site!  :)  Keep them coming and if you are a fan of a site or blog that hasn’t heard about us - spread the word!!!

I’ve been working on Spring Summer and I’m excited to show you in the next few weeks some new styles and textiles.  I am going to incorporate quite a few cotton linens in fun colors and prints.  I’m doing a new computer bag - that will fit our fat 17″-ers along with pockets for all those odds and ends and laminated cosmetic bags!  Big ones!  For like Shampoo!!!  …  And much much more!!!

We also have some very exciting NEW products for Costco in 2009 and I can’t wait to tell you all about them.  They will in stores near you soon! As always, thank you sooooo much for all of your continued support.  I honestly wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the encouragement…  And stories of people stopping you and asking you about your Knotty products!  I love what I do…  so thank you…

Jas

It was great to get written up in the Oregonian.  Even though it was a short, but sweet, reference to us.  Thank you Jonathan.  For everyone that read the article and sent words of encouragement or orders - Thank You!  We could not be doing this without your support!  Tomorrow I’m off to Shanghai to work on our spring collection and some new designs for some of our big customers.  In addition to this, I’m excited to get back and see my old friends, check in on our charity work, and shop!  See everyone soon

If you missed the article I’ve attached it here.

Love, Jas

Hello,

Sorry it’s been so long since I wrote here.  It has been an insane summer.  First, I wanted to let everyone know that we did our first press release a few weeks back - that kept us very busy.  There has been some good response from those including a few articles  that I’ll post links to here.

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Second, i’m really happy to announce that Costco.com has decided to carry our baby cashmere product.  We are thrilled to be partnered with such a fantastic retailer.  Get yours today on the Costco.com website.  I hope we will continue to do more with them in the future as I’m a big Costco fan!

Lastly, we are going to be announcing our Knotty Underground program over the next few days..  stay tuned for more on that subject!

Jas

What a summer!  I imagine we are all getting excited to get back into our routines of the school year and get organized for Fall.  Lots of changes on our front with a completely revamped website and sales field tools.  In addition we’ve hired a full time operations manager to help drive the company to the next level - international logistics are complicated!  I’m very happy to have all the extra help.The bad news is however that Knotty doesn’t have a budget to fund our Shanghai expat lifestyle that we have been enjoying over the last 3 years.

While I will continue to travel over there at least twice a year to work on new seasonal collections - Knotty will be based out of Portland, Oregon.  The good news in Shanghai however is that Sharon Cain has signed on as our Knotty Asian Sales Manger for Shanghai.  She will coordinate Knotty girls events and will be working on expanding into Bejing - so if you have any ideas or contacts up north… we’d love some Knotty networking.  I’m also thrilled to let you in on the news that I’m very close to finalizing my own Naturally Knotty retail location in one of my most favorite areas of Puxi…  Strolling thru artsy streets with outdoor cafes and quaint shops will now be more of a “Knotty” expereince too!!!  :)  I’m hoping to officially announce this and hold an event there in September when I’m back in town working on Spring Summer ‘09 designs and new colors!   I hope to see most of you when I’m in town!!!

Many of you have contacted me throughout the summer to tell how well your Knotty gifts have been recieved by new Knotty girls in your hometowns or from people you have shipped them too.  I LOVE hearing those stories from you.  I’m so happy we have all grown together… And with that, be sure to sign up for the subscriber list for valuable coupons for Knotty products.  You will love some of the new designs.   The NEW Silk Laminated Market Totes are selling out before they are even stocked in our warehouse…  And believe me, you will love this bag!  It’s the ultimate pool or beach bag - although I use mine as my daily kids junk carryall…   It’s debut has been so successful I’m working on expanding this line into a range of cosmetics bags - with a range that goes big enough for even bulky Shampoos!!!  and smaller totes.  So be sure to ask Sharon for a sneak peak!  And remember, I can always ship to any North American address from my warehouse here in Oregon if you have days or events you’d like to send a gift for and don’t want to spend overseas shipping prices or don’t want to take up valuable luggage space.  Many of you have taken advantage of this already and I’m happy to continue to do this service for you.

This summer was also the launch of Knotty Baby with a permanent wholesale showroom at America’s Mart in Atlanta - soon to be in New York and Los Angeles.  Our showroom is called “Moonpies N Dragonflies” and I hope to put some showroom photos up soon so that you can see what fancy schmancy Knotty wholesale retailers see when they are buying for their shops and stores.  It was a whirlwind trying to get everything organized for the show that just wrapped up yesterday - but we were very well received.  So for all of you who are buying for moms back home with little ones, all our new Knotty Baby Essentials will be available in Shanghai so you can give them the perfect coordinated gift.

And please… as always - keep those - “Jas… you really need to create something like this…” e-mails coming!!!  I love hearing what you think! So here’s to us!!!  I’m looking forward to the last few weeks of summer - before things get crazy with the new school year!!!  And I actually have to start wearing a watch!  ;)  I hope to see you soon!!!  And as always, all the best to you and yours…  Jas

UPDATE × UPDATE × UPDATE

It’s taken awhile to get back to everyone - It’s been crazy busy getting orders out the door, and getting our production place for Q4. We’re thrilled with progress so far. Here a few of the highlights:

- We have just sold our 3,000^th bag at the beginning of this month! Yippee! This next year we are hoping to blow past 10,000 bags worldwide. We believe this is a great accomplishment for the boutique market. We couldn’t have hit this milestone without each and every one of you and all the retailers that believe in us and support us by putting us in their retail space! THANK YOU!!!

- Our trademark applications to protect ourselves have been approved and registered – it took 6 month! While it doesn’t help me much in China – it does protect me from anyone trying to sell my designs in North America. A special thank you to all of you loyal buyers of Knotty overseas in Shanghai – for continuing to support the real Knotty bags and not all the copies showing up everywhere from Xiang Yiang market, to Hongqiao pearl market, to the Fabric market. Also, thank you for getting the word to out to all your friends who are interested in buying direct and making sure they get the real thing. I have a new appreciation and respect for the frustrations designers feel when they get their designs knocked off. It’s a little surreal to get reports of my bags being sold in the markets next to Gucci and Kate Spade My hope is that these copycats are at least being environmentally responsible with their materials and using only fair-trade labor when making these imitation bags – but I doubt it.

- Our search is on to find a replacement for our poly bags that we use. The bamboo and paper bags that we did transportation trials on did not show up in reasonable condition so they are out. We have a lead on a company that is researching additives that make PE bags biodegrade within 60 days - but so far cannot find production volumes. The search continues!

- We have added many of our retailers links and logos to the website and it’s organized by state so you can find out where to go to find our Knotty products. We really think that this next year will be a great one for all things Knotty!

Thanks again for all your support… I really and truly could have done this without the emotional and financial support of each and every one of you…

All the Best,

Jas and the Naturally Knotty Team!

Finally - the prototypes have been approved and they are in production as I write this!!! It’s been a bumpy few weeks - mostly because of a delay mid-production of Knotty totes and bags due to an emergency order from a Japanese client of my factory - but Knotty is back online and all the spring/summer totes should be done late next week… And so deliveries are only weeks away. Thank you for your patience. Some of you, who ordered back in Jan., got a batch of air freighted bags direct from the factory here in Shanghai - but a HUGE thank you for the continued patience of the rest of you…

I just finished the combos for the new Fall/Winter ‘08/’09 Totes - I had a lot of fun putting them all together. The samples are being made now and perhaps I’ll sneak some preview shots into my blog as soon as I get my hands on them next week So check back on this blog soon for some sneak peeks!

In PDX - Penelope - Sales Manager extraordinare… met up with PDXshopgirl.com to introduce her to all things Knotty, and she was hooked! She left with a bag and plans to introduce everyone who watches AM-NW the local Portland morning show to Knotty’s when she does her next fashion segment towards the end of this month on TV channel KATU in the mornings… Watch for another TV U-tube clip of the airing to come soon! Mention you heard about Knotty from PDXshopgirl.com and get 10% off your next purchase of Knotty goods at your local retailers…

In other news - Knotty continues to expand into the uber-chic world of high-end fashion boutiques across the country. We are excited that The Arrangement in downtown Portland will have a large selection of Knotty Jewlery. Be sure to check it out! She will soon have the entire Jasmine collection, Monaco pearl collection which is a line of eco-friendly pearl alternative pieces… Stunning. She’s also going to have a large collection of stone pieces from my Cascade line. We are also are in White Rose Boutique in San Francisco, December Company in Hunnington Beach, Sunnyside Cottage in Santa Rosa, Two Sisters Designs in Carmel Ca., Old Shanghai in SFO, and Maggie Ren in Toronto Ontario, Fluer de Lis in Sumner Washington, Natural Discoveries in Sarasota Florida, and The Bag Lady in Charlotte North Carolina! These are just a few of our newest retailers - so a hearty Knotty welcome to all of you!!! I hope to highlight a few new boutiques at random with every new blog post. Please continue to send in photos of all big or small Knotty’s in your displays and windows! We have so much fun looking at them I hope to add a photo gallery soon of boutiques and Knotty owners…

It’s starting to feel like Spring here in Shanghai… The leaves are coming out on the trees and it’s finally warm enough to open the windows. There’s a big Rugby tournament going on in the Dulwich field outside our apartment window… Lots of hoots and hollers and the occasional “ugh…” sound of men piling on men. Rough sport that!

Keep the e-mails coming… And a special thanks to all the Shanghai Naturally Knotty fans! You girls are the best! The continued encouragement and support these last few weeks has been so nice. I’m excited to equip you all with the finest oilcloth pool totes and Knotty travel bags as you all go off on your exciting Easter holiday adventures!

Also - another BIG welcome goes out to our 2 newest independent Reps - Judy Fede and Mitzi in California! We are thrilled to add them to our ever-growing Naturally Knotty family and are excited to have them introduce Knotty goods to their territories of boutiques and retailers.

Happy Spring everyone!!!
And as always… all the best to you and yours,
Jasmine

Hello! I just got back to Shanghai after a much needed holiday in Cambodia with my family! We had a great time realizing how fast my son Ethan and daughter Sophia are growing up and how easily they adapt to cultures that aren’t their own. I also loved being inspired by all the handspun spicy colored silk textiles that were all over the markets in Siam Reap. I also loved all the fun sassy little tropical handbags that I saw. I have so many ideas inspired by the trip! I can’t wait until Knotty has grown to include tableware textiles and bedding!!!

Okay - team Knotty! After a very successful San Franciso show - we are pleased to announce we have now added many new premier boutiques into the Knotty family from as far away as the Hamptons and New York to Mexico and Australia! We were also excited to find additional sales teams and wholesale showrooms around the country that are excited to now include Naturally Knotty as one of their premier wholesale lines for 2008! The new Spring and Summer bags were an instant hit at the show and Penelope Fain - our North American sales manager was amazed at the overwhelming response from all the regional buyers at the show. Everyone loved all things Knotty and a big thank you to all of you that came to visit our booth! It was a lot of hard work getting everything organized and ready for the show - but it was worth it to connect with our buyers and to connect with the marketplace!

I can’t wait to debut the new Oilcloth totes - I have the first proto-type sample (I took it with me to Cambodia). I should have some pictures of the styles and concepts I’m working on in the next couple of weeks! The woven floral totes are almost ready for shipment to the U.S. I need to approve one last floral detail on the blue bags and then they are done. I will have some pictures of these on the website soon. China is still celebrating the new year - year of hte Rat - and should be up and running again later this week - so I can get back to work!

In closing, please e-mail me pictures of you and your knottywear - whether you are a knotty bag wearer, or cashmere wrap person, or even some of the new jewelry - I’d like to include all of you in my knotty scrapbook. I’d also love a photo of your retail space that has a lovely little knotty space! Maybe you have a seasonal inside display you’d like to share or perhaps a Knotty or two is showcased in a window display! Give us a glimmer of your knotty style! Also, we are actively expanding our knotty sales coverage. If you know of an excellent independent sales rep or a team that is actively repping lines that would compliment Knotty, we’d love to hear from you! E-mail us at: salesnaturallyknotty.com

That’s it for now - please, as always, don’t hesitate to e-mail me with any questions, thougts, design ideas, product ideas, improvments, or stories that you’d like to share. I love connecting with you all… We’re all in this together!!!

All the best,
Jasmine

Finally got permission to upload this video to YouTube. check it out!

Direct Link to the Video

It’s been a whirlwind three weeks being back in Oregon for the holiday - connecting with my U.S. based Knotty team and seeing family and friends! I’ve loved every minute of planning the next 6 months for Knotty - from the San Francisco International Gift Fair later this month to the Seattle trend show in April… All while having fun watching my children Sophia and Ethan learn to ski. My husband Mike has been helping a lot with the internal structural management and IT systems as Knotty grows and begins to outgrow the intial structure put in place. It’s exciting to see the talents of everyone on the team really shine and compliment one another. I couldn’t be more proud!!!

We are also thrilled to announce we have picked up Knotty representation in the Atlanta and Florida markets. Our line will be available at the January Florida Fashion Focus show. We are thrilled that soon Knotty will be seen in cutting edge boutiques in those regions!

If you are attending any of those shows, come see us at our booth! We would love to show you first hand what everyone is talking about - whether it’s our eco-conscious bags using stunning textiles - otherwise slated for the landfills - or the quality construction and attention to even the smallest details in every one of our products. Come see and touch our Corsica, Sanibel, Cascade, Jasmine, and Monaco jewelery collections. We are also pleased to present the girls “Sushi” cotton dresses and twirl skirts. And we have designed the cutest girls jewelry and hair accessories made from factory overstock trims and hand-stitched embroidered ribbons. These are so fun and cute.

We’ll, I’m down to just a few hours before I head back to Shanghai. I have a lot of work to do!

So, here’s to 2008! And remember to feel good about being Knotty!

All the best…
Jasmine the Naturally Knotty team!