My name is Christina Castillo Wright. I am the founder and creative director of Christina Castillo Handbags. As an aspiring clothing and accessories designer, I began sketching and sewing prototypes of my handbag designs at the kitchen table with little more than a handful of great ideas and a discerning eye for exceptional style and superior quality. I wanted to design handbags that were fresh and fun statement pieces but were also versatile enough to be carried season after season while remaining modern and stylish. After thoroughly researching the market, I realized that simply designing handbags that were stylish and functional would not be enough to entice the type of customer that I was seeking. My target market wanted affordable luxury, quality and longevity. So I set out with the goal of manufacturing leather handbags made from the same quality materials as some of the world's most luxurious brands that I could sell at more contemporary price point.

After collaborating with a manufacturer, the next step was finding the highest quality leathers, fabrics, and hardware from the best possible resources. I found several artisan houses in Europe and the United States who could produce the beautiful natural tanned cowhides and sleek patent leathers that I had imagined for my designs. These leathers adorned with shiny gold and silver hardware have become my specialty. I also give special consideration to the interior of each design where I insist that pockets for cell phones, keys and smaller personal items are sewn into every bag. I believe that the interior of each bag should be as striking as the exterior so I use colors such as lime green, fuchsia, royal blue and peach.

My inspiration comes from fashion both past and present and the role that a handbag plays in completing an outfit. From designer jeans and T shirts to sequin mini skirts and Italian double weave jackets, I believe that the perfect handbag makes the outfit every time. There are days where I simply throw on a pair of jeans and a sweater and race out the door with my hair in a ponytail but I always feel complete because I'm toting a beautiful handbag.

I don't have a nightmare story, not yet at least, but I think the most challenging part of starting my business was finding the right manufacturer and the most reliable suppliers. There were times when I had to have complete faith in just a verbal agreement and hope that everything worked out in the end. The lesson I learned was to always get everything in writing, do your research and and don't be afraid to ask for what you want. If you approach people in the right way you most often get it.

My greatest achievement thus far has been seeing my designs go from concept to completion and into the hands of satisfied customers. I believe in hard work, dedication and finishing what you started and I believe that doing just that will make you successful. And that makes it all worth it in the end.