Brenda Arnett has a thing for fashion and traveling, so she created Zone 31 Boutique so you can go to the airport in style. Arnett has an array of handbags, duffel bags, and jackets that you can buy to stand out from others and make a fashion statement when heading to your favorite destination.
Arnett spoke with rolling out about her inspiration for the brand, why she chose certain styles, and travel and fashion tips for others.
What led you to create these bags and jackets?
I love to travel, and I like to do it in style. I don’t want my bag to match somebody else’s, so I decided to create my own line of travelers. [I like] duffel bags and I like handbags, so I decided to do that, as well. That’s what got me into it, and I love designing.
You use a lot of color and patterns in your designs. Why did you choose that style?
I like being different. I don’t want to blend in. I like vibrant colors; I don’t like dull and Black. I do have a few things that are black and blue, but I prefer color, so that’s what led me to do it. I like the African print and soft fabric as well.
What advice would you give Black woman-owned businesses?
Don’t give up on yourself. Sometimes, we get tired; we don’t want to do it, but we push through it. You can be successful in anything you do. Just don’t give up.
What are travel fashion tips that you could share?
Make sure you have a nice bag that nobody else has. That’s number one. Number two, get one that can roll because then you don’t have to carry so many bags. You can put a lot of stuff in those bags, and it’s great for a weekend bag. Get some of those little compression cubes. You can fit a lot in there. And travel light. I know it’s hard to go small because we have to have our shoes, but try to travel light; it’ll make things so much easier in the airport.
Where can people find you?
I can be found online at www.zone31boutique.com, and I’m on Instagram @zone31boutique.
