Emma Cornes

As my blog reaches new corners of the internet, I am regularly introduced to new British made goods. And I love discovering all the great and the good that our little country creates and makes. One such corner I reached was that of Emma Cornes, a bag manufacturer who not only makes bags in Britain but also using fabrics and materials that are made here too. 

Emma Cornes, bags are practical and stylish. Using beautiful tweeds milled in Scotland for added authenticity. 

I asked Emma to answer a few questions to get to know a little more about her burgeoning brand.

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HOW AND WHEN DID EMMA CORNES START? 

Emma Cornes started almost two years ago today at our dining room table. I could never find the bag I wanted and I loved the cloths woven in the Scottish valley I grew up in. I thought I’d have a go at combining these two things. First I had to teach myself to sew.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO MANUFACTURE IN THE UK?

It was never really a decision to make – I’d never considered having my bags made anywhere else. That’s not just for sentimental reason. I genuinely believe Britain is the best place to get my bags made from a quality and speed of manufacture point of view.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

Having to do everything. At least I no longer have to make all the bags myself – I was starting to go grey very quickly. But at the same time it’s the variety that I love.

WHAT GOES INTO YOUR DESIGN PROCESS?

We’re only small so we can be pretty flexible – if I have an idea I draw it, then try to make it. 

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM YOUR COLLECTION?

I’m currently using a Special Edition Dashing Tweeds Hopper. I like cross-body bags. And this one’s small enough that I don’t accumulate too much rubbish inside it.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE EMMA CORNES?

We make simple, classic bags from heritage fabrics, but we like to keep it fun.

WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER?

I guess they’re like me – a bit of a grown-up tomboy. Someone who has loads of interests, but never has time to shop for the perfect bag. They value nice things, but like me they’d much rather be out exploring a hill than the high street.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO FOR AUTUMN?

I can’t wait to get started with designing my Spring/Summer 2015 collection. As the nights draw in I get to think about snowdrops and daffodils.

WHAT'S YOUR STANDOUT HIGHLIGHT?

There’s been a few, but a few stand out:

• Launching this year’s collection at the County Living Spring Fair. I only finalised the collection a month before the event then we had to make all our stock in a month. We did it (only just). We were so pleased when they sold so well – people loved them.
• Winning the My County Business Awards in the Fashion and Beauty category – we’ve won mentoring from Helen Barbour, Vice Chairman of Barbour. We can’t wait to get started with her.
• Finding a great workshop in the Midlands who can help us make out bags. When I collected the first batch of bags the sewed for me I was just so pleased – I’m the only one who can tell the difference between the ones they’ve made and I made.

INSERT SOMETHING INSPIRATIONAL...

I don’t normally go in for motivational quotes, but I do try to stick to the mantra of ‘do one thing well’. That’s why we stick with bags and bags only.

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Thank you so much Emma for taking the time to answer my questions. If like Emma, you would like to be featured on The Mibber then please do get in touch.

You can shop Emma Cornes Bags online at: www.emmacornes.co.uk. Don't forget to follow on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest ECB news!

Andrea x