Kelly Grey Taylor, a junior psychology major, is the owner of Three Camels, a clothing and accessories brand specializing in reversible tote bags. Drawing on her background in textile design from fashion school in New York City and her study abroad experience in India, Three Camels is known for its feminine, timeless pieces featuring original prints and custom designs.
What is the story of your business? How did it start?
I went to fashion school in New York City, where I studied textile design, and I also studied abroad in India, where I had the opportunity to meet and connect with several manufacturers. Before transferring to Samford, I wanted to take what I had learned and create feminine, timeless pieces using both my own prints and custom prints developed with those manufacturers. One problem I always had was constantly switching bags depending on my outfit, so I came up with the idea for reversible tote bags. If you’re wearing a more fun or colorful outfit, you can carry the neutral side, and if your outfit is more simple or basic, you can flip it to the more playful printed side!!
What has been the most challenging part of launching your business? How did you overcome this?
One of the most challenging parts of launching Three Camels has been learning how to balance the creative side of the business with everything that happens behind the scenes. I love designing products and creating the brand, but figuring out things like manufacturing, inventory, shipping, marketing and customer service at the same time has definitely been a learning process. I’ve overcome it by being willing to learn as I go, asking questions, staying flexible and not being afraid to adjust things when something isn’t working. Each challenge has honestly helped me understand my business better and become more confident as a business owner.
What is the goal behind your entrepreneurial pursuits? What do you envision for your business?
The goal behind Three Camels is to create feminine, timeless pieces that feel unique but are still practical for everyday life. I want the brand to give women pieces that make getting dressed feel more fun and personal, while also incorporating prints and designs that you won’t see everywhere else. Long term, I envision Three Camels growing into a recognizable lifestyle brand with expanded collections, more original prints, collaborations, pop-ups and eventually a stronger retail presence. I want to keep the brand personal and creative while continuing to grow it into something women genuinely connect with and are excited to wear.
Does your business have a social mission or purpose? If so, explain how your business is redemptive in a Christlike manner?
Yes. Three Camels has a purpose beyond simply selling products. I want the brand to reflect creativity, intentionality and care for others by creating pieces that make women feel confident and comfortable being themselves. Because the business was inspired in part by my experience in India, I also value the relationships behind the products and want to work with manufacturers in a way that is respectful and relational rather than purely transactional. In a Christlike sense, I want Three Camels to be a business that treats people with kindness, honesty and grace; from the people helping create the products to the customers purchasing them. As the business grows, I would also love to use it as a way to give back and serve others, so that its success can have an impact beyond the brand itself.
How do you see your company having an impact on the Samford and/or Birmingham communities?
I see Three Camels having an impact on the Samford and Birmingham communities by creating opportunities for connection, creativity and collaboration. I would love to continue doing pop-ups and events on campus and around Birmingham, partner with other local businesses and student organizations and create products that people in the community feel excited to support and be a part of. As the business grows, I also hope Three Camels can encourage other students who have creative ideas to take the risk of pursuing them. I want the brand to show that you can start something meaningful while you are still in college and use it to build relationships and positively contribute to the community around you.
Learn more about Three Camels:
