One Direct-to-Consumer Company's Secrets to SuccessLuxury handbag maker Dagne Dover has seen more than $1 million in direct-to-consumer sales through its online store.

In early 2012, Melissa Mash, Jessy Dover and Deepa Gandhi asked more than 1,000 people for input on designing a practical luxury handbag. The following year, during a three-month campaign on their website, the Dagne Dover founders presold nearly $40,000 worth of their high-end totes (featuring multiple enclosures to keep laptops, tablets, phones, water bottles, wallets and keys in place) and clutch wallets. Prices range from $125 to $500.

Since launching, the company has seen more than $1 million in direct-to-consumer sales through its online store. Last year the New York-based startup bagged $1.25 million from angel investors with ties to leading brands such as Coach, Warby Parker and Bonobos.