I've always been drawn to unique handbags & purses going so far as to study, recreate, & collect them, I never thought of myself as a designer &, one year ago, certainly didn't think of my handbags as a "line". They were--and still are--pieces of art born of this necessity and passion I have to create. Right now I'm focusing on sales and marketing for what I'm referring to as my first "official" collection.

I use hand-woven palm fronds though I intend to incorporate other materials later. Why palm fronds? Initially it was simply a matter of what I had great access to, and what was symbolic of the Bahamas. Now, I'm inspired by nature... My handbags are special because of the materials used, the unique weave styles, and the human element which is in every detail of the construction of my handbags. From the selection of trees-cutting, washing, drying, peeling, and sun-bleaching fronds (sometimes burning them)--to weaving and hand-stitching the bags closed, there isn't an inch of anyone of my handbags that didn't receive great thought and attention; the time, dedication and craftsmanship of these bags is indeed what makes them special. My target audience? Women with style, attitude, and a great appreciation for nature and the extraordinary.

A friend of mine got engaged and had been living away from home (Bahamas) for a few years. I wanted to get her a gift that would remind her of home; something that was symbolic of who she is and who we are as friends; not just another bride-to-be gift. She's very chic and fashion conscious and I'm very artsy & creative so I decided, strangely enough, on a handbag. The problem was that all the Bahamian-made straw handbags on the market were tacky too me, poorly made and/or had very little appeal. I didn't think she would appreciate them so I decided to design one of my own and make it especially for her. I had been planning to go to graduate school but had no money, so when she told me how much attention my handbag received--Eureka!

I guess it's still too early so far because I haven't had any major dramas yet (unless you count what a nightmare it is to find the right box to ship them in as my bags are in some unique shapes...) My greatest achievement so far has been my nomination as a finalist in the independent handbag designer awards. It is refreshing to realize that there are people that appreciate what I love as much as I do. Everything I've done so far is definitely worth it because it's a dream come true to be recognized my first collection.