Conversations with Aniqua Bolton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aniqua Bolton.

Hi Aniqua, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The year was 2021 and I was finally breaking free from a series of crazy events that I would have never thought I would find myself in. I was low on money, school work was piling up, and my mind was a mess. I thought those who I called my friends, those who I thought loved me really didn’t and I was left to fix myself while working at a gas station and trying to stay afloat for my biology degree. That was such a confusing point in my life. I spent my entire shifts alone at the gas station and that opened up space to be in my mind. I wanted out. Drawing was my therapy during this time. I wasn’t the best, but I found relaxation in it. One day while at the gas station, I drew a handbag. I remember laughing to myself thinking; “now what do you know about handbags”, but I knew God didn’t just place this idea in my heart for no reason. I sat on that idea for weeks and months, still thinking to myself; “what do I know about being a handbag designer?”. During this season however, God really was showing me that even though I may feel alone that he was there and to act on the ideas that he is placing in my heart. I researched for weeks until I found the perfect manufacturer for me and presented my design to them. It was simple, but still uniquely me. I wanted my brand to embody everything luxury. I decided on the name TiffanyNicole, as my middle name is Tiffany and my late grandmother who had dementia would always call me Nicole. The very first bag was named, “Tiffany Medium Leather bag”. I knew exactly what material I wanted for this bag because I wanted to be known as the brand that was made to last. I received the sample and knew that this was real life. What I once had in my mind while working at the gas station is now real. I began to talk about my brand even more in anticipation for our first release 09-26-2022, which included only 6 different color of the Tiffany Medium leather bag. This was the beginning of something beautiful from a storm that I saw no way out then.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been. Being an upcoming luxury handbag designer comes with more cons than it does pro. When you don’t have a huge background in this industry it is quite difficult to get anybody to notice you and to work with you. Many view it as some hobby, when in reality it is a brand that I am building. However, I don’t let it frightened me. I mean nothing good comes easy. Another obstacle I face often is funding. Every single bag that we have for display is all payed for by me as well as events that I put together and that can become quite overwhelming, especially when I have many ideas of events that I would like to host in the future and even designs that I would have to put on the back burner for the time being.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Every single handbag that I have designed are never designs that I sat and brainstormed. No, many of my designs, especially my favorite ones are all just random thoughts that I would get while I am at work or even day dreaming. The rush of quickly jotting down the details of the bag before I forget it is probably the most exciting part of the handbag designing process. In addition, I study bags from the past and what exactly they were made of to last for so long and how functional they were. I do this and incorporate it into my handbags because I noticed an influx of complaints from the consumer of how their bags do not last them anymore and I view bags as long term investments. So, each bag is designed with longevity and functionality in them.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can find me on my social media: Instagram: @tiffanynicoleco , TikTok @tiffanynicoleco and contact me via email at contact@tiffanynicole.us for collaborations!

Pricing:

• $110-$300

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiffanynicole.us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanynicoleco/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tiffanynicoleco?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
@_shottbyjay ( Jaylin Carstarphen )