Interview with Katina Gundersen, president and chief designer
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: On most days I’m toting a laptop, tablet, cellphone, other business and personal necessities, a water bottle, lunch and snacks for the day, even work-out clothes. In my search for a perfect workbag — something functional, fashionable and a bit “kicky” — I discovered that nothing existed in the marketplace that met my needs. So I finally gave up my search and decided to make my own bag. After several versions, I started carrying my bold and bright bags and, much to my surprise, I received a lot of positive feedback.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: A Katina bag is a fashionable, functional and high-quality organization solution for the woman on the go. Each bag is spacious and constructed with several pocket features — pen/lip gloss slots, business card/picture holders and attachment hooks that can be used to secure attachment options of the bag owner’s choosing, such as a key lanyard, water bottle clip, laptop sleeve, tablet sleeve, phone/change purse, e-gear bag, etc. The Katina bag enthusiast can pick and choose the attachment options they want and need to build their perfect bag solution. Additionally, Katina bags are built to last, including a stand-alone “no-tip” structure.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I love the creative process. Taking an idea and transforming it into reality is extremely challenging and rewarding. This applies for all things — starting up the business, figuring out ways to run the business more efficiently, designing and sewing the bag prototypes, developing and executing a marketing campaign, etc. Everything I do requires careful thought and creative energy, which I thoroughly enjoy. I am learning something new every step of the way and growing personally and professionally.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: As a one-woman show with a family and full-time job, the biggest challenge I have is making desired progress — it feels like I’m moving in slow motion.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Each Katina Bag has a unique name that is inspired by other women — a woman I know and love, a woman I admire, a woman I want to become.
Profile
Business: Katina Bags
Address: Based out of Centennial
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Founded: 2010
Contact:
Employees: 1
