Amanda Bass is a mother and wife, former marine, founder of Got It In The Bag (www.gotitinthebag.com), and a disabled veteran. Her work and family life are much different from most, however very relatable to those who are also navigating small business obstacles while being disabled. In this interview, Amanda Bass shares her story on motivation, family life, and cultivating the home business of her dreams.
What motivated you to start your businesses?
As a permanently disabled wife and mother to 3 boys, I am completely dedicated to my family. I homeschool my children as well as take care of 2 primates and other animals on our family farm. While being a mother and wife on the farm is full-time in itself, I would watch my husband, day in and day out, work hard to bring in funds regardless of what our home life, my health, or our kids and primates threw at him. This observation sparked the idea of starting my very own home business. I just wanted to do anything that would make life easier for him and allow him to spend more time with our kids. In the beginning, I tried several business concepts. While I had fun developing these ideas, they weren’t exactly “IT” yet.
In 2019, I lost my dad suddenly. We had a very special bond and that bond was equally as strong between him and my husband and children. He was brilliantly smart as a VP of mechanical engineering and global technology with Thyssen Krupp Elevator and had created several patents through his engineering expertise. In all of his success, he would treat me with designer bags throughout my childhood. He purchased so many bags that he built a reputable connection with these designer brands which carried over to me as an adult.
When I lost my father, a piece of me died that day as well, however, as the weeks passed, another part of me ignited. What if I used my connection with these luxury brands to start a personal shopping business? It was a perfect idea. I got to keep my connection with my dad, which made me feel close to him, but I also got to have more time with my family while building an additional income. Leaping, putting a lot of skin in the game, and opening up with a pure heart and vulnerable soul allowed me to cultivate a successful business that is not only special to my family, but also reduces my husband’s stress and gives him more time with us.
How did you create your brand and what were the sole ideas behind them?
When you are permanently disabled and homebound like I am, you start thinking outside of the box about everything in life. I wanted to offer a convenient brand experience straight to my customer’s door without lacking in the quality of service and expertise that is offered when going into a brand’s physical location. Thanks to my dad, I have the contacts to do so.
I also wanted to make items more attainable for everyone. My clients can have that one on one service that will result in an item that will fit their style and needs. Whether our customers know what they want when they meet with us or we search for a bag that meets their needs altogether, we take great care to find their perfect designer bag.
What advice would you give future entrepreneurs who want to build a business?
Running a business is difficult and hard but is worth it. The key is, being ALL IN. There has to be a passion, heart, soul, and everything in between. You are going to make mistakes, struggle, and have scary times because you know it is all on the line, but do not get discouraged because, with grit and determination, you will achieve your dreams! I have learned a lot along the way and every bit has been strengthened by my mistakes and successes. Believe me, it has not been all unicorns and rainbows here but I have remained consistent and persistent and know that this will be successful and something that people will love and benefit from, just like my dad and I had talked about.
I’m nowhere near where I want to be, but I’m on my way to the finish line and it is the journey and those whose lives we touch on the way that makes this story and business even more special for me and my family. It is not about if you CAN achieve business success, because everyone is CAPABLE of success; it is whether you WANT it bad enough. I am a firm believer that if you make your mind up to do something then you can achieve it with a little bit of hard work. Remember, business is not an overnight project, it is a process of accumulation and the hard work that you have to continuously put in.
What is next for Amanda Bass?
I embrace me being different than most in the fashion world as it gives me a different outlook than everyone else and has helped me to develop a unique goal path for my company. My long-term goal in this company is to bring my husband home so he can enjoy more family time and the joys of owning a farm. As far as a short term goal for my business, I would like to ramp up on inventory so that I may offer a try on a gallery, which is where we will set up a one on one appointment with the client so that we can learn your style, as well as help you decide if you are a person that needs to try it in your hand or is more comfortable with a measurement process. We are still developing the try-on gallery concept but I hope to have it fully developed in the coming year.
There is always something you can do to grow when owning a business and in my opinion, that is the fun of it! There are so many things on my constantly growing list. I’m always developing my ideas by incorporating the things that I love but that will still reach my ultimate goal.
Through this business, I hope to inspire those who are permanently disabled and homebound. There are so many opportunities to grow and create from their life regardless of their situation. I have always been taught that there are no limits on life except for those your mindsets for yourself.
Follow Amanda Bass on Instagram (www.instagram.com/gotitinthebag) and reach out to her with any business inquiries via email at amanda@gotitinthebag.com