I create what I call "fashion art" via clutch purses and other accessories. I started making clutch purses because I am fascinated with the ease of use and the versatility and possibility for design as well as the way they immediately make a statement. My first choice in purses has always been clutches and so I started making what I love. Innately, I have a clean fashion sense with statement accents so my purses are either statement pieces or clean designs with a few elements that pop. I started making bags with all knitted bodies but soon transitioned to burlap and corduroy accenting with feathers and beads. Right now I am moving away from feathers and seeing where I can take the combination of knits and crocheted elements with burlap. I am also starting a line of handmade rings. Being a handbag designer is a craft that compliments my more serious professional endeavors.

My purses are special because they are one-of-a-kind. Even if someone orders a core design I will either change the inner lining or the trims to make that purse different than any other I have created. As a result, my target audience includes fashionistas from ages 20 to 100 can be assured that they have purchased an item of "fashion art" that is unique.

I learned to sew and knit as a little girl growing up in the Virgin Islands. I loved sewing and always used my talents to make gifts for friends and family. For many years I focused my talents on interior design making curtains and slip covers. However, the sewing and knitting stopped being a priority with my first job as a chemist continuing on through my law school career. It just became easier to buy curtains and clothing. As an associate at a law firm in New York, I found myself working long hours. My choice of a conventional professional was challenging but limited in the creative offering. On my path towards creating my line of accessories, I started once again sewing by making a duvet cover and shams for a friend. One Christmas I decided that instead of giving my sisters and some of my friends store bought gifts I would make them purses instead. My first attempts were from the heart and not as fashionable as my clutches are now but they sparked my creative juices.

One day while presenting my "Tasha" purse to a friend at a party, I got many requests about where I purchased the gift. When I replied that I designed and created the purse myself one of the party goers placed an order on the spot. Reacting with extreme surprise and excitement that someone would be interested in buying one of my creations, I set out to fill my first order and sale. And so was the start of Diva Bugs. For my handmade creations, I use semi-precious stones, sterling silver and gold, Swarovski crystals and Czech glass beads. I create each piece for the Diva in every woman. As I say, "Everyone is a Diva. Diva Bugs help you show that side of yourself on the outside."

My greatest challenge was taking Diva Bugs beyond a hobby into a business. I think one day I realized that I could no longer do everything myself. There were only a limited number of hours available in a day for knitting projects and those hours usually entailed the trip to and fro work. At home I would try to multi-task but that entailed working until the wee hours of the morning and getting little sleep. So, I had to find a seamstress which was a process that entailed many trial and errors, skills testing and on my part minor pattern making exercises. I was happy that at the end of the process I had a part-time team that was adept in working independently and skilled in helping me to create a quality product.

My greatest achievement in this process has been not giving up and growing as a designer. My purses and designs have come a long way from my first attempts. I have found ways to advance my creations in a direction that enabled me to skillfully help Diva Bugs grow and achieve a reputation for uniqueness and quality. This process has been worth all the creative time and effort invested because it has afforded me the bravery to follow my dreams and balance my creative with my analytical side.