Meet the Makers: Karen and Ellen Yates of Taylor Yates

Karen and Ellen Yates are a mother and daughter team designing sustainable, luxury leather handbags that are hand made using British leather in the UK.

Before starting to work in the shop, Ellen was a student in Manchester studying Fashion Business & Management and graduated last year during lockdown. Karen runs a marketing consultancy alongside Taylor Yates.

The idea for the shop started with Karen being asked to do a guest lecture on Ethics in Marketing and around the same time wanting to get Ellen a handbag for her 18th birthday. Not being able to find anything that felt like real, soft leather and that was understated and modern looking they have decided to design their own collection.

What do you do? Tell us about your craft

We design the product focusing on the softness of the leather and the shapes it allows us to create. We keep our designs and colour palette minimal and understated so our products will be loved and last for a long time. 

How would you describe your style to someone who didn't know you?

Minimal and understated with an edge. 

What is a product you want to spotlight?

Our new re:claimed collection has just launched. 

What makes this particular product so special?

This collection is made entirely from surplus stock leather that was being wasted sat on shelves in a stock room. We decided, rather than produce more leather that we would use up the leather already available first and it allowed us to try some new colours and textures in a very sustainable and planet friendly way. This meant that the numbers would be limited to the amount of leather stock available so once they're gone, they're gone! 

Who is your target market?

Women with purpose.

How can people order/buy your product?

Both in store or online.

What is the biggest lesson you have learnt in business so far?

There's no such thing as an overnight success, but hard work will pay off. 

How long have you been featured in The Designerie?

We started in Makers House when it opened in August 2018 and then moved into our studio store space in October 2019.

What area of The Designerie are you featured in?

The adjoining store.

What do you love about The Designerie?

The opportunity it gives to local creatives to showcase their work and the curated feel of the store. 

To see the full range of Taylor Yates’ products, go to www.tayloryates.com or check out their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. For even more information you can find them on Youtube, LinkedIn and even on Pinterest.