I am 34 years old, married and mother of two. I got tired of the corporate world and decided to try and start my own business.  One day, I was talking to some co-workers and trying to decide what type of business I could start when my buddy, Jim, suggested starting my own purse line. I love designer purses and thought this was something I could try. That is when the line Art & Maggie was born. Art & Maggie was named after my grandparents.  I was very close to them and they died three weeks apart last year.

My woven bags are very unique and quite cool. The were made for me in the Philippines and are made of all natural materials native to the Phillie's. They are bright and fun. The leather line will feature soft, Italian leather. It will come in mermaid, a kind of iridescent leather, black and brown. Each featuring a different bright, funky interior color.  My leather line was just completed at the end of this January.

Manufacturing though hasn't been without its own set of educational complications.  I was dealing with a company in China to make me a tattoo purse. It cost a lot and looked like something you would iron on yourself! Needless to say I'm not selling it. My four year old carries it around so at least it wasn't a total loss. With all of the said I look have to reflect on the big picture.  Now getting my line into a local boutique and watching people look at them in the store has been very cool and worth all the work.

 

What is your name?	Michele Crawford
Where are you from?	La Porte, Indiana
Where do you live now?	Granger, Indiana
How old are you?	34
Do you have a design background?	No.
Do you still have a day job?	No.
What year were your bags born?	2006
Bag brand name:	Art & Maggie
What is their retail price range?	$40 - $55
Where can a shopper buy your bags?	www.inspiremeonline.com
For more information, contact:	www.artandmaggie.com