I am a former ballerina-turned-designer, who turned to handbag design as a creative outlet after I retired from my professional dance career. Now, eight years later, my line and company have evolved and my collection includes a variety of designs, from everyday Totes to Travel Weekenders and Diaper Bags.

I went from a starving artist to a starving college student. My crafty Mom taught me how to sew during one summer break and I began constructing simple handbag designs. My handbags started getting attention of fellow students; and soon I was selling them wholesale to local Boston boutiques. I ended up using my business as part of the co-op (Internship) program at my school (Northeastern University), which gave me the leg up to launch my business online and via retail stores.

While I studied Art and Photography in undergrad, I never took a single sketching or drawing class. All of my patterns and designs are made organically... through folding, sewing, shaping... I create my designs through "real" 3-D modeling versus on paper or via a computer. I used to feel uncomfortable that I didn't have a fashion design background... but realized that each artist has his or her own way of creating their art and it's perfectly OK to have your own way of being an artist.

I typically use canvas cotton, barkcloth, oilcloth and upholstery fabrics, to ensure a sturdy, strong base for my handbag construction.  The bags are usually finished in high-grade leather and trim to also ensure long-lasting quality. Most important to me are the bold color palettes and graphic design of the materials used; I get my initial inspiration for any new bag based off of the colors and patterns of the fabrics used. I believe my use of bold fabrics are one of the strongest factors in attracting my target audience - which is a wide range of women, from high-schoolers to the working professional mom. I love hearing from my customers on how they love using my bags for day-to-day; whether they are lawyers, students, or stay-at-home moms.

I also name each design after the many women in my life that have inspired me along the way. I have been fortunate to have so many strong, passionate, and supportive family and friends in my life - they are the people that keep me motivated in this challenging industry.

I haven't quite had any nightmares yet (knock on wood!)... of course we all have a design or line that didn't sell as well as we would have hoped; didn't get produced quite as envisioned. But that's what keeps you going as an artist... to continue creating and looking toward the next project.

My biggest joy as a designer is hearing the enthusiasm and and love that my customers have for the bags they purchase from me. I receive emails from total strangers, telling me how much they enjoy my designs and relish in the use of my products. How incredibly exciting and fulfilling, as a designer, to be able to bring this kind of happiness to others through my work and creativity.