RENO GAZETTE JOURNAL
Siobhan McAndrew 
"Mix The Attitude With Altoids, And Hit The Town"
July 13,2003
   

Pick #1

    According to the experts who follow the beautiful people, getting into the hottest nightclub takes a killer pair of shoes, a knockout size 2, 6-foot frame, a miniskirt and attitude.    Attitude will get you into any club in the world. And if that is lacking, make sure you are wearing great shoes! I've come up with a few things that I think are fun and affordable. Eat your heart out "Sex and the City." Even you don't have a Marielle Original yet. I like to root for the local person. And although Marielle McCombs is not yet a well-known, up-and-coming dress designer such as Shoshanna Lonstein (Stienfeild's ex), this 21-year old from Reno is bound to be a similar sensation.   
    Her company, 4 years old this month sells purses that McCombs designs. Material for her handbags range from zebra print to Astroturf. If you are looking for an original purse, then her adorable handbags are for you. Prices range from $15 to $40. "Better Homes and Gardens" Television just ordered some for a story on Astroturf and a costume designer for an independent film company shooting in New York ordered a few" McCombs says.    
"It would be great if someone like Oprah ordered one." But until then, the energetic Generation Y entrepreneur says she is happy with the sales she currently averages.

"Teen Reaps What She Sews"

     Every day for months during her senior year in high school, Marielle McCombs designed and sewed a purse or backpack that she'd wear to school the subsequent day. While on a trip to San Diego in June, the owner of fashion boutique "Oo La La" took a liking to Marielle's work and asked Marielle to make and send her some backpacks and purses.
   
        That was the beginning of what would become a burgeoning small business called "Marielle." To date she has created about 350 purses. "Like people recognize Tommy Hilfiger, I want it to be Marielle McCombs," the 18-year-old University of Nevada, Reno, freshman said.
In addition to purses and backpacks, McCombs creates business card cases, book bags, cell phone cases and bridal bags. She uses everything from Astroturf to old sweaters. She also does custom beadwork.  

       Her products are for sale at Reno and South Lake Tahoe boutiques, a salon and two stores in Meadowood Mall. McCombs also will be selling her products in Australia. Some shops sell Marielle merchandise on a consignment basis, others buy them wholesale. McCombs also fulfills special orders. Dawn Gibbons, Nevada State Assemblywoman, recently purchased a cell phone case and a business card case on which McCombs hand-beaded the word Nevada.
Retail prices run between $15 and $60, depending upon the fabric and time needed to make the item, anywhere from one-half to three hours.
McCombs' parents funded startup of the business, she said. McCombs' mother, Liane McCombs, is also involved in the business, producing, advising, researching opportunities and helping where needed. After five months the business is in the black.
 

      McCombs has gotten a positive response from shop owners who carry her designs. "They're selling like hotcakes," said Sharon McDowell, owner of McDowell's. "They're very well made."
Blythe Anderson, co-owner of Labels Consignment Boutique, agrees. "Her purses are wonderful. Her purses are trendy and the young gals are just flipping over them."
   

       McCombs has found her best advertising is family members wearing her designs, she said. Her younger sister comes home almost every day with special orders from schoolmates.
Customer service is essential to her business, McCombs said. She works with store owners to create merchandise that fits their customer profiles, she is flexible when it comes to business arrangements and she strives to fill orders rapidly.
  

       McCombs expects to launch a Web site in November. Customers will soon be able to purchase Marielle wares on line at www.marielleinc.com.
McCombs sees herself in 10 years designing her products, but contracting with sewing houses to help her meet demand. She looks forward to a booming business and a Bachelor's degree in English. "I think this is what I'm supposed to do," she said. "Everything just fell right into place."

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RENO GAZETTE~JOURNAL
SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
 
NAME: Marielle Inc. Designer Handbags and Fashion Accessories
OWNERS: Marielle McCombs / Liane McCombs
FOUNDED: July 2000
PHONE NUMBER: (775) 786-1730
HOURS: BY APPOINTMENT
NOMINATOR'S STATEMENTS:
"This young woman is not only pursuing higher education, but is building up a great business with unique quality products, utilizing various businesses in the community."
SERVICES: "We provide handbags and purses to everyday unique people."
PHILOSOPHY: "Be creative and not afraid to try anything new."