Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Eschell.
Hi Maggie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I first fell in love with classic cars when I was 12. My grandma had recently passed away, and up until that day, she had owned a 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix, that she purchased new off the showroom floor in 1968. I remember the car having to be started since it hadn’t been driven in a while. It had glass packs on the mufflers, I’d never heard anything like that before, I was instantly hooked! Years later I took auto shop in high school, was accepted into the NASCAR school of technology and at the time wanted to build race engines. But after going to a few classic car shows when I was about 17/18 years old, I realized that there was something so special about preserving the history and the love that goes into building and customizing classic cars, and hotrods. Shortly after, my eye gravitated towards the interior of the car. The upholstery and chrome details were especially eye catching to me. After that my interests had shifted to wanting to learn auto upholstery for classic cars and hotrods. By 2007 I was living behind a hotrod shop, and I was around classic cars and the process of restoring them daily. At that time, rockabilly and the scene within the classic car and hotrod world was very popular. There were several brands making purses that fit into the culture of the rockabilly/car show scene, but I was self employed and had limited funds. I decided to start fooling around and made myself a few things. I had a few people show interest in my designs immediately, and it slowly grew from there. I had people wanting to place orders with me, and thanks to ‘myspace’ and word of mouth my little business began to grow. Initially, I was mostly selling to countries all over the world, like Japan, Australia, and Germany. They have a huge love for classic cars and custom culture. Eventually in 2012 I started my own website for custom sales and focused on vending at car shows on the west coast.
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?
I’m self taught so most of the struggles involved trial and error. Learning to design and make a functional purse or wallet, but also make it look like the back seat of an old car. It wasn’t only teaching myself to sew, but it was also handbag manufacturing and sewing automotive upholstery. It takes a different sewing machine and different material, than typical home sewing. I am a one woman show, so I taught myself every aspect of making the products but also running the business, building a website, souring the supplies, shipping, photography, vending at car shows, and a whole lot more…
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I design and make purses and accessories that look like the interior of vintage cars. I use true automotive materials, to give them the authentic look and feel of a real seat in a car. I use new and vintage materials depending on the design. I am most proud of sourcing original vintage automotive materials, and being able to date them to specific makes and models of American Classic Cars, specifically from the 1950’s-1970’s era. I have customers who will send me a picture of a car they like or an interior of their own car and I have been able to find the exact material to match for them, that’s always an exciting moment. Additionally what also sets me apart is that everything is handcrafted by me, here in California. I am a one woman show and I do not outsource anything, and I also try to buy as many materials from other small businesses as possible.
What were you like growing up?
I was shy, fairly reserved, a normal kid. I loved music and playing guitar. I usually did my own thing and it wasn’t until I was much older that I felt comfortable in my own skin, and appreciated my own independence and my willingness to not follow the crowd.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.femmefataleinc.com
- Instagram: @femmefatale_inc
