COVID Q&A with Joy Egbejimba of Nuciano
Seattle is officially in Phase 2 of reopening from the Coronavirus shutdown and businesses around the city are navigating new safety restrictions in order to open their doors. Many businesses have been heavily impacted by the nearly three-month shutdown and as we’ve seen elsewhere around the country, the companies that do reemerge often find the business landscape to be dramatically different. Seattle handbag brand Nuciano is no exception and is more committed than ever to staying resilient during these trying times. We recently chatted with Joy Egbejimba, founder of the brand, to learn more about how the COVID shut-down has impacted her luxury handbag line.
Q- When did you first go into quarantine and what are you doing with your time?
It was such a surreal moment for me. I went into quarantine on March 9. I thought we would be back in a few weeks, but I never imagined it would last several months.
Q- Has Nuciano been impacted by the stay at home order in Washington?
Absolutely. We stock 5 stores here in Seattle and all of them had to close their storefronts. I was in shock for a few weeks and hoping it was all a bad dream. I talk to our partners (stockists) frequently to keep in touch. We are very close and involve them in our design decisions, too.
Q- How has life changed for you personally as a business owner during this time?
One could echo the saying that “necessity is the mother of invention". Everyone is having to re-think the way they do things and where they are channeling their energy. We embarked on putting more styles online since I noticed that many online stores were still conducting business as usual. I also suggested the same concept to our partners (stockists) and encouraged them to engage more in LIVE videos or any other online customer interaction tools available. I must say, it’s not easy to do. For some of us, not being able to go outside and live life as we know it has been hard.
Q- What new service offerings have emerged at Nuciano due to COVID-19?
We’ve found that there is huge power in our online engagements with fans, customers, and partners.
Q - How have your wholesale accounts been impacted by COVID?
We were working with some accounts before COVID, but that all sizzled out as the pandemic began. We are looking forward to starting our talks again soon. It’s now looking like this is now our “new normal” and life has to continue with wearing masks and social distancing.
Pictured: Joy Egbejimba of Nuciano
Q- What is Nuciano doing to prepare for phase 2 reopening?
Some of our partner stores are re-opening and some are not coming back at all, instead, they will be 100% online. We plan to support them in any way that we can by doing LIVE videos and collaborating to talk about fashion and photoshoots.
Q- What will be different in your business once restrictions are lifted and how will the COVID pandemic ultimately impact your business growth?
I think if anyone had told us at this time last year that we will be where we are today, we would definitely have disagreed, but here we are. My thing is, we will continue to go hard and get back out there. We will also continue to regularly engage with our customers and fans. We appreciate their support now more than ever.
Q- How do you think consumer shopping habits will change once we enter phase 2 and enter a “new normal”?
Honestly, we are expecting everyone to come out to support local business as soon as phase 2 is announced, but deep down I know it’s going to take a little while to regain the support and confidence of everyone. Life is going to be different for sure, social distancing is now a thing, wearing a mask is another too. I went to an African market a few days ago and the lady that has known me for years could not recognize me due to my mask. It is going to take slow steps and everyone doing their part to bring things back.
Q- What is your advice for people who want to support Black-owned businesses but don’t know where to start?
Gossip & Glamour has done a great job in putting a list of Black-owned business together for us, please visit their website and click on the link. Facebook is another source. Uber Eats is now also offering free delivery on orders from Black-owned restaurants.
About Nuciano
Nuciano is an award-winning luxury handbag label based in Seattle US, that offers today's modern woman a freedom of expression of her taste in uncompromised high quality and luxury handbags without the usual exorbitant price tags.
A brainchild of Joy Egbejimba, Nuciano is derived from the word "Nnukachiano" and resonates the freedom to BELIEVE & EXPRESS yourself as an independent woman. From desk-to-dinner, the selected curated collection features elegant designs with a variety of fierce color options. Nuciano is quickly becoming Hollywood's favorite handbag designer. Shop the Nuciano collection here.
