the story

The story of Nikki’s Original Totes was born after a year of dramatic changes in my then current job as a Civil Servant.

This led me to rethink my whole career.

I had worked for many years as a Retail Manager for Past Times, a well-known High Street gift company. They had been one of the leading stockists of oilcloth tote bags. When the company closed, my Mum and I decided to act upon the concerns of customers who had been asking as to where they were going to buy tote bags in the future.

Seeing a possible gap in the market, I utilised my sewing skills and the early results were well received.

From humble beginnings, selling at the local Town Hall craft market and friends’ houses, I progressed on to Markets, Fairs and County Shows. Now I attend more than 50 events a year.

Fortunately, the increase in sales and demand coincided with my Mum’s retirement, enabling her to ‘come on board’ permanently!

In 2014 I opened an eBay shop, selling my various handmade products in Britain and all over the world.  My own e-commerce site was the next natural progression.