Business in Profile

Lucie Trinco, Founder and Managing Editor of Il Tutto


Briefly describe Il Tutto

Il Tutto is a range of luxury leather handbags for mums. Designed for the style conscious mother - a woman, who wants the practicality of a baby bag hidden in the facade of a cool, luxe, must have handbag. Meaning "everything" in Italian, Il Tutto handbags have been designed to hold literally everything.

What did you do before running Il Tutto?

I have been designing handbags for over 10 years and most recently was the head of design for Oroton. I have also headed up the accessories design departments for iconic Australian brands such as SABA, Sportscraft and Fiorelli.

Why did you start your own business?

After years designing for other people I wanted to do something of my own so I could run a business that enabled me to have the flexibility to have a family.

Has running Il Tutto lived up to your initial expectations?

Absolutely! I love every minute of it.

What have you enjoyed the most about running your own business?

I love nothing more that seeing Il Tutto carried by stylish mums out and about. It makes me really proud that I have been able to offer a product that fills a niche gap in the market and that mums around the world have embraced the brand and products. I also love the flexibility that comes with running your own business and being able to work the hours that suit me.

What is the biggest challenge in running your own business?

There have been a couple; after years of heading up a team of designers I have struggled with the isolation of working on my own. I make sure that I schedule daily meetings with clients / sales staff etc to get me out of the office and interacting with people. The other has been getting my head around the financial side of the business. As a designer I have always been a little shielded from the financial figures. I have had to learn as I go about all the financial areas of my business so I can control the business growth going forward. I have recently appointed a business mentor to work with me so I can improve my skills in this area which has been fantastic.

Where do you see Il Tutto in 5 years?

Il Tutto will be a leader the handbag and baby bag market both in Australia and Internationally.

Have there been times when you’ve thought ‘this is just too hard!’ Tell us how you got over that.

To be honest after working in the corporate fashion game for so many years I am well trained to buckle down when needed. If you didn’t have the tough times then the good times would not feel as great.

Does the business dominate your life? Can you effectively break away?

It goes through stages and sometimes I feel I will never be able to come up for air!!! I am learning to change my working style to work on my business not in it. My aim is to be able to break away in the next few months and have a good work / life balance.

How involved is your partner in the day to day running of the business?

He is a great emotional support and sounding board but is not involved in the day to day business.

Lucie, we hear you are pregnant – how far along are you?

Yes, I am and very excited!!! I am now at 14 weeks so in the nice 2nd trimester. I don’t look pregnant yet, just like I have eaten too many doughnuts!!!!

How do you plan to run the business with a child? What is the strategy!

My strategy is to get help!!!! I have just employed an office administrator to work with me on Il Tutto and she will keep the day to day office running and organize the dispatch of stock to our retailers. This will enable me more flexibility and the ability to work on the strategic direction and growth of the brand. I am also planning to get a nanny a couple of days a week to allow me some child free time to focus on the business.

Do you have any advice for anyone out there who may be thinking about starting their own business?

Make sure its something you love doing and are passionate about. Research your market well and have a clear business plan before you start. It’s definitely not for the faint hearted but it’s the best thing I have ever done.