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Career

How She Got There: Tianna Meilinger, Creator of Vaya Bags

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Name: Tianna Meilinger
Age: 29 
Job Title and Description: Owner & Creator of Vaya Bags
College/Major: Environmental Science at Boston University
Website: http://www.vayabags.com
Twitter Handle: @vayabags

Her Campus: What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day? 
Tianna Meilinger: My current job as owner/creator of Vaya Bags entails anything from hand-making and designing messenger bags and accessories to going to craft shows around the country and everything in-between. Most of my days I’m at the Vaya Bags store making bags and helping customers.
 
HC: What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
TM: I was an environmental science major in college and after graduating I started applying to jobs in my field. In the meantime, while riding around the city looking for jobs, I realized I needed a messenger bag and decided to make myself one. Friends saw my bag and asked if I would make them bags as well. It just took off from there.
 
HC: What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
TM: Starting out, I had no business experience whatsoever so it’s been trial and error for me.  A bit of business background wouldn’t have hurt.

HC: Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
TM: I’ve been very influenced by my parents. My dad created his own business when he was in his 20s, making leather and suede clothing from scraps he found in a dumpster outside of a leather factory. He was one of the first creative recyclers, turning recycled materials into art. He has really influenced me in using recycled materials and scraps to make my bags.
 
HC: What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
TM: Think outside the box and trust your instinct.

HC: What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
TM: In owning a small business, I was always trying to do everything myself which isn’t always possible. I had to learn to trust others and know when to delegate responsibilities and tasks to others. 

HC: What is the best part of your job?
TM: Turning my art into a living is the most gratifying part of my job, as well as knowing that my bags will benefit people and the environment.
 
HC: What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
TM: It’s important for the person to be willing to follow instructions but also take initiative. An employee should be flexible and able to adapt to changes in the work environment. Roll with the punches.
 
HC: What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
TM: Put your ideas into action.Try to keep your start up costs low, which will allow you to sustain a small business and learn what works and what doesn’t.

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Gennifer Delman
Gennifer is the Branded Content Specialist for Her Campus Media. In her role, she manages all sponsored content across platforms including editorial, social, and newsletters. As one of HC's first-ever writers, she previously wrote about career, college life, and more as a national writer during her time at Hofstra University. She also helped launch the How She Got There section, where she interviewed inspiring women in various industries. She lives in New York City.