Meet Christie Little of Vine Street Market USA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christie Little.

Owner and designer, Christie Little, founded her brand in 2010. Vine Street Market, USA is designed and produced in Los Angeles. The name Vine Street Market actually comes from the location of the famous Hollywood Farmer’s Market where the brand got its start selling to local Angelenos looking for the perfect carryall tote to go from city to beach and everywhere in between.

Christie’s fashion career began with a recycled/repurposed clothing line she created at age 15. After completing her studies in Apparel and Textile Design at Michigan State University she moved to Los Angeles where she built her career in the fashion and entertainment industries. After several years of designing for everyone else Vine Street Market, USA emerged as a side project on Sunday mornings at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market. The brand has since grown and is now going into its 7th year.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I know a lot of young designers have these wild, sugar-sweet dreams of creating their own line and becoming an overnight success. But Apparel and Accessories manufacturing is a cut-throat business, it is not for the faint of heart. Yes, a great idea and a catchy design is important but it is really only 1% of the process. Retail is changing every day; Social Media is changing every minute and Trends change every second. This business really keeps you on your toes!

Vine Street Market, USA – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Originally, Vine Street Market set out to be a reusable market bag company. But the more followers and customers we gained we learned that everyone liked to use their VSM bag in their own way. With feedback from our customers we broadened our range of uses and materials. We now credit ourselves as, “Fun inspired carry-all totes for your life’s treasures and adventures.”

Whether you are heading to the beach, the city, or the airport you definitely want to grab your VSM bag just in case. The majority of our customers own 2-3 VSM bags that are easy wear or to grab and throw in your purse because they unfold in a moment’s notice. I definitely think that sets us apart from the rest of the tote bags on the market.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success is defined by the people you surround yourself with in life and in business. Los Angeles is a rather large community but I always call upon my friends for recommendations or help with projects that are outside of my realm. I think that is a good measure of a man/woman.