Meet Erin Tufts Cartier | Handbag Designer & Maker | Creative Director | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Tufts Cartier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
To be honest, NONE. I honestly just wanted to make beautiful things for people. I have tried to make this business work 3 times now. I am finally starting to realize that I still want to create beautiful things for people but I want to spark joy for every person that crosses the path of Rorin wether it be a conversation, the smell of leather, an ornate detail I created for a special client’s bag or the bag itself. The goal is to SPARK JOY. That being said, when I quit my full time job in December of 2019 to pursue Rorin full time, I did the grit work. I created Excel sheets planning out each month from expenses to profit and even made a marketing plan. Things have changed since then as well but I still use those documents to understand my business, how it is running and how to plan my next steps.
Working for myself is a privilege I will never take for granted. I love it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself an artist / creative more than a luxury handbag brand as of late. I personally make each piece of my collection using the most responsibly sourced materials. Each bag is one-of-a-kind! I make a few different styles in a multitude of colors with different details. If you want an eye on the flap, I use leather scraps and hand cut the details. Want an alligator molded on the back, you got it. I love to create unique pieces that tell and story but also sparks joy for each client. I am a designer and a maker. I creative direct every one of my shoots. It is all art to me!

I worked in retail for 20 years before my final ‘full time’ job where I was a brand manager for an interior designer in Texas. I still do visual brand design (graphic design, web design, visual brand development) for small businesses and enjoy every minute of that side of my business as well! I think retail prepared for the ability to put out fires, roll with anything that gets thrown at you and deal with the human race (haha)

So many challenges in running a business, it is not for the faint of heart! I have learned so much but being kind is my biggest take away. Everyone deserves kindness. Oh, and do not be so hard on yourself. Shit will happen but they will happen how they should Just roll with it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ahh I miss home so much! New Orleans. I would say eat at Lengua Madre, Peche, Sylvain, Mais Arepas and Casemento’s; Bearcat and Ruby Slipper for brunch and my aunt’s house for Sunday dinner. Oh and Banana Blossom on the west bank – always a good idea! Then you can swing by Whitney J Decor’s shop in the cutest Old Gretna.
I love a stroll around the quarter and shopping on Magazine but I enjoy a run or walk on the lakefront. Sometimes I enjoy a workout at Undaunted Fitness in Metairie.
I love seeing my friends and supporters at Saint Claude Social Club, Angelique Boutique, and Iris 1956 currently has a pop-up at Hotel Peter & Paul! Love seeing show at the Saenger or live music on Frenchmen. I enjoy seeing different art at galleries or NOMA and walk around City Park. So many cool artists like Katie Dumestre Yaquinto, Cubs the Poet, and Annie Moran to name a few. Always make a trip for Harold’s if you are an avid plant lover.
There are so many amazing people and places around the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
oh I love this! And this may be super long as I have the most amazing supportive group of people!

Every single piece I make is named after an impactful human in my life (and still more to come!) Both my grandmothers taught me to sew! Ruth (paternal grandmother) was an artist and culminated the creative side where as Frannie (maternal grandmother) cultivated the loving side. I get my entrepreneurial spirit from my dad. My mom is a never ending supporter that always pushes me to do what I want and how I want to! Watching all of my sisters grow into amazing and powerful women is so inspiring to me. My sisters, Stephanie and Brianna are always wearing one of my bags and that empowers me! My bestie, Fallon, always rooting for me and listening to every single idea I come up with good or bad and being totally honest. Briana Henry and Annie Moran for teaching me the literal inside out of how to make a bag. My dear friend M, that believed in me and supported my endeavor so I could quit my job and pursue this dream. Every single person that has purchased from me! But most importantly my husband, we have been together 18 years and he has supported every single wild thought or business idea and helped me really fine tune it to something tangible and always accepting me who am I and how I want to do it! He listens, rationalizes, lets me rant but always standing there cheering me on. There are many more… but not sure how many characters I have here. I am eternally grateful for the supportive people in my life and they all deserve recognition for helping me grow!

Website: www.rorin.us

Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatisrorin

Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatisrorin

Image Credits
LCS Studio Leah Thomason Photography Brianna Yvette Photography