Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
PAOLI – Stylish and durable purses, totes and baskets of any size and pattern have made Envision Designs a small business success story in Orange County.
The business that makes and sells hundreds of unique designs is a retail branch of First Chance Center, a nonprofit that provides day services, employment and advocacy for disabled adults.
Established in 2012 when area furniture industries offered First Chance Center their unused upholstery fabric, Envision has a retail store and travels to several market shows. Profits provide programming and services to First Chance individuals.
Surprisingly, making totes and baskets was not where Envision began. Not sure initially what to do with the bolts of donated fabric from JSI, Envision started by making archery targets.
“We tried to hire people with sewing skills and develop a product,” said Amanda Bush, Envision Designs industrial director who works with Envision’s sewers on designs and fabric choices.
Seeing potential for growth, Envision began production of versa-totes, large versatile bags that can carry about anything.
Envision has two sewers and would like to add a third. Bush focuses on marketing and taking product to events like the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival.
“As a team we work together to determine designs that are hot right now and popular colors,” Bush said.
Staying up with trends helps Envision market its product to all ages.
Llamas, cats and dogs, Harry Potter, Southwest designs and holiday prints are current best sellers. Envision Designs also does custom work for those who want to choose the fabric and style.
Envision makes storage baskets in three sizes, several sizes of purses, from lanyard style to utility totes.
Customers new to Envision are initially drawn to the fun patterns and options, Bush said, and then become loyal buyers because they know their purchase is supporting the mission of First Chance Center. Bus tours that drop off dozens of visitors who tour the factory and hear the Envision story also have been good for business.
“We have a poster that tells the story of First Chance, what we are and who we help. Customers read that and know their purchase helps,” Bush said. “A lot of times our customers are our best marketers because they tell the story and that sells the bag.”
The mission of First Chance Center is to promote abilities and provide opportunities for persons with disabilities or other barriers to fully participate in our community. To that end, artwork created by those who receive services have been used in purse designs and they also meet and greet guests from bus tours.
Where to shop
Envision Designs, 635 N. Greenbriar Drive, Paoli, is open Monday-Friday, 8 am-3 pm and by appointment. Envision Designs products can also be purchased at Finders Keepers in French Lick and By Hand Gallery in Bloomington.
Upcoming
Nov. 11: Envision Designs will be at the Deja Vu market in Columbus
Nov. 19: Envision will be open from 1-4 p.m. offering discounts and refreshments during the Paoli Merchants Christmas open house