Debra Franses is a trailblazer in luxury fashion art, merging her diverse background and creative genius to create sculptural handbags that epitomize a quirky elegance and slick individuality. With unwavering passion and visionary designs, she leaves an indelible mark on the contemporary art of haute couture. As a spontaneous and empathetic female entrepreneur, Debra’s journey is adorned with two Bachelor of Arts degrees, each defining a distinct facet of her personality. She acquired her first degree in Economics and Politics from Manchester, while her second degree in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins in London came a decade later, when she gained clarity on her path to career fulfilment.
Hailing from a lineage of Jewish business professionals, artists, scientists, and musicians, Debra’s cultural immersion resonates with every fibre of her being. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge and engagement fuels her endeavours both within and beyond the workplace. Balancing a fiery yet compassionate philosophical demeanour, she exudes a remarkable sense of humor and sets exceptionally high standards for herself and those around her. Relishing every opportunity that comes her way, Debra despises the thought of missing out on any chance for growth or achievement.
As a professional artist and art teacher, Debra has successfully established two thriving creative enterprises over the past 12 years. These experiences have nurtured her innate artistic talents while honing her entrepreneurial skills. Now, she channels her artistic prowess and profound understanding of fashion to redefine the landscape of “ Aesthetic” luxury designer handbags in the form of Resin. Through her innovative approach, Debra aims to transcend conventional boundaries, infusing her creations with an unrivalled blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and sophistication.
Below are highlights of the interview:
Describe your background and what did you do before you started the company?
As a child, I loved raising money for charity. I was brought up with a strong work ethic but also a very big heart and a love of all things creative. I played the piano, danced, made art, and always had a sunny smile. My mother was an art teacher and diligently taught me and my sister the values of culture. My father is an international businessman in the luxury accessories and handbag industry. We were lucky enough to travel and use foreign languages in Europe, and as a family, we visited America many times.
I was interested in business and creativity and dreamed of being an international artist with many galleries abroad. I loved the challenge of making money. My 1st degree was in economics and politics, which taught me about the economy and how frustrating politics is. My first job was as a door-to-door salesperson in Italy and Spain where I learned to think on my feet in different languages. I learned the art of subtle persuasion here. I was never very good at company politics. Although I did have a senior role at Reuters in the media division looking after big players such as the BBC and News International, as a woman, I always felt in these big media companies that my maverick and rather unmanageable nature was not going to give me the freedom I required to be happy.
At the age of 31 with the disaster of 9/11 I left the corporate world to study fine art and was praised and criticised for being too commercial. I had won some sponsorships and organised exhibitions in large venues such as Selfridge’s and Harvey Nichols. I won a bursary to create a wallpaper line and, using digital printing, created a range of fabrics; This was my first creative entrepreneurial venture. It was called “Couturious.com” I later sold the web domain to a LA VC firm for $12,000 and started making artwork as I didn’t want to focus on large-scale wallpaper and fabric printing production in China.
What has made you successful as a business expert? What do you value?
My passion for my subject, the healing nature of Art – I established the art school Mini Monets UK whilst recovering from Breast Cancer in 2011whilst my son was just 4 years old as I was not allowed to have more children, I decided to fill our world with children and art. The joy of making has been the key to my success along with a natural ability to sell. I work organically and intuitively and I value good staff, good relations, my local community, helping others whilst helping myself – I am no martyr!
Which are the major services of the company and how do they the company to get ahead in the competition?
Mindfulness and personalisation…. anything can be bespoke. Also don’t leave anything to chance when it comes to covering expenses.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture?
Nurturing, expertise, fair and being the best at what we offer. I want us to be perceived as an excellent provider of my art and my education. You cannot be good at everything, so find people that you need and bring in the resource. Don’t cut corners it will always come back to haunt you.
What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
Fair and fun. Talk good thoughts to yourself and you will talk well to others.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
If we don’t innovate, we will fall behind. You must pivot and don’t rush into opportunities. Make sure that you know what you want before taking a step. In Covid we had to pivot to an online classroom and a subscription model. I also created amazing visuals for Artbag sculptures with an award-winning photographer who also happened to be my old school friend Giles Christopher and created a new website and some promotional videos. Lockdown meant that I could cut a good deal and get the best people. This which enabled the business to be seen as a more a professional entity and a larger organisation.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes.
Process is what you need as a foundation to grow …everyone will be a hero in their own way. Let them shine and empower them to be powerful. You must have a process though as I employ very few people if one leaves it would unbalance my equilibrium.
What are your responsibilities in the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
Innovation, vision, inner values, inspiration, and communication. To be a leader and treat my company like my own child. I love to connect and help people. If I am doing my best and someone comes up to that standard and evolves then that is my job done!
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Be humble. Leaders who are humble share the success of the team with other team members. Be decisive; It might not be the right decision but its righter than doing nothing. Set an example; led by example, encourage communication, especially face to face don’t rely on an email. Someone hasn’t heard you until they respond. Learn about your team; show interest in others. Provide constructive criticism don’t worry about being liked, be respected for doing a great job.
Debra Franses
www.artbagstudio.com
www.Minimonetsuk.com
#artbagartist
+44 (0)7900212499
