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| Gabrielle Hobo, $130 |
Diaper Bag/Work Tote, $220 |
Lesley Weekender, $220 |
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| 1. | Do you still make all of your bags yourself or do you use a manufacturer? If so, was it hard to find a good manufacturer? - Jen from MA, February 04, 2008. | | 2. | Hi Jen,I have the manufactured in LA. It is really hard to find a manufacturer; I recommend word of mouth... I am on my 3rd manufacturer now. Good luck to you! - Karen from CA, February 10, 2008. |
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| 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.
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What is your name? |
Karen Napacena |
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Where are you from? |
San Francisco, CA |
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Where do you live now? |
San Francisco, CA |
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How old are you? |
30 |
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Do you have a design background? |
Yes and No... |
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Do you still have a day job? |
No. |
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What year were your bags born? |
1999 |
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Bag brand name: |
Napacena |
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What is their retail price range? |
$88 - $220 |
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Where can a shopper buy your bags? |
www.mingleshop.com |
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For more information, contact: |
www.nepacena.com |
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