Jill Mara, owner and creator of Flote, first entered the world of fashion as a buyer for a nationwide department store. This led to a successful partnership in an apparel company selling collections worldwide to department stores, televisions shopping networks, catalogs and on line.
Her love of adventure, travel and art has inspired Jill to create a collection of bags and pouches under the label Flote, which are unique and innovative, combining fashion and function. Some items have detachable, non-abrasive clips on the back allowing the wearer a hands free option to carry essentials. The items can be clipped on to garment waistbands, larger bags, baby carriers, beach chairs, airplane seat pockets, etc.
Other items are simply chic using clean designs and rich fabrics offering the wearer a complement his or her already modern wardrobe. Flote takes great pride in using the finest and most unique fabrics, such as Italian nylons and synthetics, neoprene, heavy cotton canvas, and Italian leathers, and unusual trim sourced from places such as Bali, Italy and NYC. Flote bags are manufactured in the finest factories where workers have clean and healthy environments. Quality control is extensive so the items can be used for years to come.
Athletes enjoy using Flote items while biking, hiking, golfing, playing tennis, etc. Parents, professionals, hobbyists and travelers find these bags invaluable as well.
The collection has caught the attention of many retailers and celebrity stylists and has been seen on nationwide television fashion segments.
Jill has participated in many fashion panels with other esteemed members of the fashion industry. She is also a freelance consultant for small business owners and well-known personalities, a volunteer mentor for Count Me In/ Make Mine a $Million Business.
An accomplished athlete and artist, Jill has successfully run the New York City Marathon (and can be found volunteering at the finish line these days), bicycled thru the Canadian Rockies, climbed to the summit of Mount Olympus in Greece, climbed glaciers on New Zealand's south island, and has enjoyed her advanced scuba diving certification by diving all around the world. Since childhood Jill has always loved art and is a member of many museums. She and has also progressed to be an exceptional potter- just ask her Mother.