We caught up with Irene Herold, the founder of TRVL Design, to learn more about the journey of building her brand. Irene shares the inspirations that led her to establish TRVL Design, and the unique qualities that set her products apart. She also offers valuable insights on maintaining work-life balance, the impact of working closely with her family, and her advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Join us as we delve into the story behind TRVL Design and discover what makes this family-run business so special.
Tell us about your brand and what inspired you to start TRVL Design.
After decades of designing private label accessory programs for countless brands, I felt a desire to come full circle and create another brand of my own, and TRVL Design was born! I founded the brand in 2019 and created it around a set of core values that I could bring to the accessories market, a space I know well. TRVL design is about great design in useful shapes that have beautiful custom patterns and details that ‘TRVL well’. We make well designed bags at accessible price points for the whole family that are as much fun to gift as they are to get!
Were there any specific mentors or role models who influenced your entrepreneurial journey?
I learned how to sew when I was in an 8th grade summer sewing class from one of my favorite teachers, Mrs. Scott, and it transformed me. Sewing opened up my creativity in a way I never expected, and it created a base of knowledge for much of my career. It taught me anything is possible when you make it, design it, and see the finished product you created .
What advice would you give other aspiring female entrepreneurs?
Be Open! I learned from a young age to not pass up opportunities just because they may not look exactly right. Sometimes things will fall in your path, and you may not think they will contribute to your creative or career value, but you will always learn from it or meet people who can influence you. Sometimes the most unusual path contributes to your expertise and what you may have to offer in the future.
Where do you find inspiration?
Wow! Everywhere! In everyday lifestyle, my many experiences, travel, interior décor, my customers, social media… Literally everything feeds me!
What sets your products apart from others in the market?
Quality and authenticity, great design and ageless appeal!
How do you handle work-life balance, especially with the demands of running a retail business?
I started TRVL Design later in my career and was fortunate to wait until my daughters were in college, which allowed me to really put everything I had into this business! I was able to build and scale it in a short time given my career and where I was in my life. While there is not much balance yet as we enter our 6th year of business, I love what I do and am fully invested in the success of my customers and the business.
We heard TRVL is a family business. Tell us what it’s like to work so closely with your daughters!
Best decision I made! My daughters Natalie and Charlotte came on board last year after they both graduated and worked in other careers. The skills they brought to TRVL have made a difference in the business and I have loved having them on the team and watching them contribute to the brand. Our family is the closest it has been since they were in high school, we spend more time together and travel together. But our entire TRVL Team is amazing, and I am so lucky to have a great group of people involved in the day to day as none of this would be possible without everyone’s hard work, and my daughters helping me to laugh along the way!
