Tell us about your business.
Elquinique stands for elegance, quality, and uniqueness. We pride ourselves in using only Swarovski crystals and the finest products to create unique and elegant handbags and accessories. Our line features luxurious mink, pearls, peacock, ostrich feathers, and our signature Swarovski crystal handle, which converts into a dazzling necklace! Our mission is to create new and unique handbags and accessories that are different from anything else on the market. We want our customers, when they carry our handbags, to have the “wow” factor when they go out. It is important that their handbags and accessories make their outfit complete and really stand out.

What divisions do you carry?
We carry prom, pageant, social and bridal occasion products, including bags that can be carried daytime or evening. Our elegant Swarovski crystal belt can also be worn as a necklace.

What size ranges do you offer?
We offer a variety of different shapes and sizes. Most of our handbags are very versatile—for example, our signature Swarovski crystal handle that doubles as an elegant necklace.

What intrigued you to originally enter the fashion industry?
My love for fashion and design started years ago when I couldn’t find what I was looking for in clothing and accessories retail stores, thus leading to designing my own fashions. My passion for designing and carrying my personal line of handbags grew with an overwhelming response. I also have severe rheumatoid arthritis and being in severe pain makes it difficult to be on a 9-to-5 schedule everyday. I really wanted to work on my own. By owning my own business, it allows me to work on my own schedule, depending on how I feel each day.

Where do you find your design inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the love of style and design. My creative heritage stems from my mother, Anne Tesh, a succesfull artist, as well as my cousin, John Tesh, a well-known television celebrity and musician. It also comes from my history of being a National Football League Washington Redskins cheerleader, from which I interacted with many celebrities and creative individuals within the entertainment industries. From these relationships came inspiration and encouragement to follow my dreams. I also find my design inspiration within myself. There are many nights that I lie awake with my mind racing with creative new ideas. Being creative is something I feel very blessed to have been given.

Where do you see your business and industry trends heading?
As my business grows, I see ever-growing markets throughout the world. I plan on continuing my upscale marketing, including my existing magazine features in Pageantry, Seventeen Prom, Teen Prom, Your Prom, Cosmo Girl Prom, Seventeen, Teen, and Cosmo Girl magazines. I'm also adding to my exposure in the celebrity world, in which my client list already includes Cindy Crawford, Cindi Lauper, Leanne Rimes, Miss America Deidre Downs, Miss USA, and many more. I also think it is important to take advantage of the internet, establishing relations with web sites selling my accessories. This will allow the customer to assemble a complete outfit, including accessories on the web site, in turn allowing for mixing and matching of separates to create numerous looks with a variety of Elquinique handbags and accessories

Why do you continue to love what you do?
I love the challenge of creating new designs. It is so rewarding to see the reaction of customers who appreciate my design skills, along with the satisfaction of seeing my business blossom. What could be more rewarding than to influence the fashion world with the accessories that you love? Nothing makes a woman feel more glamorous than having the right Elquinique handbags and accessories. Being a designer and owning my own company is a dream come true!

Elquinique
established 2003
Ashburn, Virginia 20147
Jenny Tesh-Crabbe

www.elquinique.com
703-729-3611