Get to Know Your Newest Affair - Slush Handbags

What is some advice you can give in funding a creative career or business?

I have worked diligently at finding and applying for grants and funding opportunities in my community since I started SLUSH. There are a lot of location-based resources that help entrepreneurs and emerging designers grow their businesses and assist with projects. This is a great way to get funding and meet mentors and other individuals who have experience in your industry.

What are you most excited about regarding an upcoming project?

I am looking forward to upcoming pop-ups and new stockists that SLUSH will be working with. In particular, I’m excited about being a part of New York based Café Forgot and their new year-long space. I have admired their curation since they started so it’s really cool that my bags will be there! Also looking forward to travelling in the new year for photo shoots and releasing some exciting projects that I’ve been working on for a while.

When was your “aha” moment in discovering this was the path you wanted to pursue?

After working in several corporate retail environments in Montreal, in a variety of positions, I found the fashion scene to be a little too exclusive and boring. I started taking sewing courses and that’s when I created my first backpack, the “Pink Bunny”. I realized I could merge my background and experience in fashion with my marketing education, and my newfound passion for bag making. This has led me to grow my brand into where it is now and I continue to not take myself too seriously.

What words of wisdom can you share with others on a similar journey?

Be resourceful! Ask questions! Learn from your mistakes! Don’t be too hard on yourself!

About SLUSH

SLUSH was founded in Montreal, Canada, in 2015 by Sarah Barchichat. With a strong passion for vintage and years of experience working in Canada’s fashion industry, Barchichat started her own accessories line where her vintage inspirations can live on in the best way possible. Fun, colourful designs are at the forefront of SLUSH, where function and quality are never compromised. All SLUSH bags are made by hand in Montreal using high-quality faux leather and faux fur, and other deadstock and upcycled fabrics chosen with care.