Elezar’s handbag collection started by attorney Esther Barron and I and then was launched in Fall 2005 with shapes that ranged from sexy hobo bag to small tasseled clutch. For the collection, Elezar tweaked classic shapes and has brought some new exciting ones to the stage; barrel bags have an edge and hobo bags have a sexier look. My background is graphic design. I took a shoe making course at the JCC in NYC and loved it. Creating your product that is usable - it was an amazing feeling of self expression and control. From there, I took a bag design course, showed my friends my sample and took off from there. I started designing a line for Elezar. They encouraged me to start my own company.

Our most unique material when we started was our cork bag but on all the bags the amazingly soft leather is what seems to have defined us. People seem to comment about the quality of our bags and think they are made in Italy and are always so surprised when I tell them they are made here in NYC. We are very lucky that Elezar handbags are carried by stars such as Naomi Watts, Jessica Simpson, Mischa Barton, Rachel Bilson, Lindsay Lohan and Taryn Manning. Elezar handbags show amazing craftsmanship, luscious leather and functionality that comes from a passion for quality. These three factors combined with innovative and unique designs offer woman a handbag to compliment their own sense of style.

My biggest nightmare was my original manufacturer/sample maker. He could not hit a deadline, ever. He always complained to me and when I told him something even if I had it written down he would tell me I did not tell him and when I showed him the sheet of paper he had with my comments he would shrug and it would take weeks to get something new.

If I were to say my greatest achievements with Elezar - I actually would have to give two. The first being my newest bag. I got it out late for this season to get pr for it, but have still sold out of it 2x times already. And we ordered 20 per color and I am doing a Shecky's event the next 3 nights so we shall see...The other great achievement, is my relationship to my business partner. We work great as a team, although it took some time for us to get our footing even though we are old and dear friends, and we did it with sense. We started with the contract between us so we knew exactly where we each stood and what was expected of us.