bizMe

Let’s see, words to describe Danielle Nicole—creative, inspiring, popular, non-stop energy, building an accessories empire—yep, the girl that’s got it all! She’s passionate about purses and accessories and she’s got the press to prove it . . . Danielle’s handbags have been featured in Lucky, NYTimes, Lush, Sweet, Harpers Bazaar, Women’s Wear Daily . . . and on the shelves of high style stores. bizMe talked with Danielle and she definitely makes an impressive first impression!

From a very young age, Danielle DiFerdinando of Danielle Nicole Handbags worked at her father’s business, Boardwalk Fries. “I’ve been working for him since I was six years old. He was always my inspiration.” She was very close to her father and she knew from a very young age that she wanted to be like him. After working with her father at his business, she could never imagine not having her own business.

Danielle’s unintentional introduction into the business world began as a DECA project in high school. She designed neckties and sold them to students for $20 each. Her ties sold and she was able to supplement her income because of her designs. Soon she began selling fabric handbags that were made partially from her homemade ties to the female high school population.

Valuable Internships
“I always loved high fashion,” and to gain a better knowledge of it Danielle attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She came to New York not knowing anyone, but took advantage of internships every semester not only to gain experience but also to network.

The internship that was priceless to her was her time at Bergdorf Goodman. “It taught me everything about fashion, life and common sense,” she said. She learned that in order to make it in fashion you must be a people person and know how to talk to people.

At Bergdorf Goodman, Danielle was supervised by the #1 top personal shopper, Dominica Paradisi. “She was like a mentor to me,” she said. Danielle was 19 and because of the upscale clientele most people that were successful in the career that she was pursuing were at least 5 years older. “To be around that type of people you have to be very mature,” Danielle said.

Danielle remembers one experience vividly when Dominica had stepped out and Donald Trump’s wife, Melania, entered the store. Instead of being intimidated, Danielle greeted Mrs. Trump and started assisting her with her shopping needs. When Dominica came back, she found Danielle assisting Mrs. Trump and she reacted by laughing at her gutsyness. ‘This girl’s crazy. I love her,” said Dominica.

“I don’t care if you are a CEO. People are people. Don’t be intimidated by anybody,” Danielle said. The internship made her believe in herself and it also boosted her confidence. Being young and being in this industry Danielle offers this advice: “you always have to be very careful and represent yourself in a professional manner. I always try to inspire other people and I try to give back.”

A young entrepreneur’s demanding schedule:
Although Danielle is a very young entrepreneur, interacting with more established people does not phase her. When dealing with her customers she feels that you have to have respect for them but you also must show confidence in yourself and in your product. “Other people see it and they appreciate it and it’s inspiring,” she said. “I’m 22 years old and I built my company from nothing,” she said.

Her days are busy–“Keep in mind my friends go out during the week.” Although her friends may have more free time than she may, she still has fun. “I’m just not the type of the person that likes to stay out all night,” she said. She admits that she may stay out a little late every now and then but that is not something you want to make a habit of.

“When I’m exhausted I read a little,” she said. Currently on her nightstand is Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger. Danielle believes there is much value in reading the newspaper because she learns something every time she picks up a newspaper. “It’s so important that you read. The more information that you know the better you sound,” she said. “When a person reads the newspaper and speaks about an article they read, they look much better educated. Danielle also stated that “being able to write is important no matter what the business. “I want to have strong writers around me.”

Danielle’s typical day starts when she wakes around seven. Her schedule is demanding: she works all day, works out at 7 pm, then she works with her factory over the phone from 9 pm-midnight and then she calls it a night. Running her business is not limited to weekdays. Usually on Saturdays she works and meets with her customers. Danielle knows the value of customer feedback–”its important to speak to them and listen to what they have to say to make adjustments that will improve her product.”

What’s up next for Danielle Nicole:
The next phase of her business is Elle Nicole, which is an organic line that retails from $70-$130. “We had a lot of customers ask us,” she said in regards to launching an organic line. “With the current economy, this line is a less expensive price point.” The next phase of her business will be launching her own line of wallets, belts, briefcases and shoes. And then after that? Danielle is a never-stop gal so once her shoes are on the market, she plans to start her clothing line–but not for another five years.

Danielle is a wonderful role model–she’s a highly motivated bizgal that’s attaining achievable goals with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. “It’s a lot of hard work and there’s going to be more bumps in the road then you can ever imagine but hard work does pay off!”