A few years back, I had a serious back injury and couldn't move from the couch for over 9 months. During that time I wanted to be creative and do something with my time. I picked up my crochet hook which I had not done since childhood and started making different designs. Some of the items were pillows and shawls. I came up with a handbag design I liked but it wasn't great. Over time I kept trying and trying and finally came up with a design I really liked. I added beading, feathers and other appliqués. Slowly I started giving them away as gifts and people loved them. I wanted to go one step further so I entered one of bags into the Orange County Fair under "original design". I won first prize. Excited about the idea that I might actually have a great product, I got the business name Caromelheart Handbags and am now starting to promote my bags. I love making each one creatively and unique. As I am new at the marketing part, I am still working at the best way to get myself out there.

I have no design background, just a love for creating them. Currently Caromelheart Handbags are in their new phase creation and I am working on a website to get them out there. I use 100% cotton thread and crochet all my bags. Each bag is unique in color and all designs are one of a kind. I either add swarovski beads, feathers or chandelier beading to each back. My target market is anywhere from teens up to 50's. My bags are popular among brides and I am planning a bridal line. Also with proms and for special evenings and events.

While making a handbag one night, since I hand apply all beads with a hot glue gun, one time I was trying to hand bead a bag with little crystals. I picked one up and added the glue to the back and this little bug landed on my hand. I turned my hand to the right to swing it off and instead my hand went into some of the glue. As I was frantically trying to get the hot glue off, I hit my hand on the crystals in the small container I was using and crystals started attaching to my hand. It took me and my mom about 20 minutes to get them all off. And now I have little burn marks on my hand. It is a lovely reminder of my plight to create wonderfully handmade products that are unique and beautiful.

I entered my bag into the Orange County Fair under "Original Design" just to see. There were hundreds of others in the same category. I took first prize. I was so thrilled to see people enjoying something I created so that is when I took the steps and decided to start the business. After everything I have been through, there is no doubt that it has all been worth it.