I never set out to be an accessories designer. I have a degree in Political Science, and later became a paralegal. I quite literally fell into this line of work. I work in my converted garage, in my home, which allows me incredible flexibility (as well as being able to keep an eye on my three sons – two of whom are teenagers!) and quite a bit of space. I have more ideas for my line than I have time, and am beginning to look into avenues for outsourcing some of the production.

All of my bags and accessories are made from scratch in my studio. Since each item is handmade, close attention is paid to the smallest detail, from start to finish. All of my handbags are professionally crafted on an industrial sewing machine with premium fabrics and industry materials. All my bags are incredibly sturdy and can stand on their own. My audience is anyone who wants a unique, well-made product that can’t be found or purchased in a store. My customer doesn’t want to carry the same bag that is hanging from every shoulder on the street. I am constantly inspired by these women, who seek out individuality and distinctiveness.

I started my business, Sommer Designs, in 1999 as a web design studio dedicated to helping small businesses achieve a web presence when the internet was still young. After a few years, the market became saturated with web designers and many companies were choosing to do the work in-house, and I became a bit bored. In 2003, I made a diaper bag for a friend, after not having sewn for about 10 years. The response was immediate, and surprising, and everything literally snowballed from that moment. After a few months, I closed my web design business and re-launched Sommer Designs as a handmade handbag business. I enjoy it tremendously because it allows me a ton of creativity and flexibility – I love working with color, pattern and texture, and it gives me such pleasure to combine it all into one little package.

I am based in a beautiful area of Southern California, Palos Verdes Peninsula. We have rolling hills, equestrian trails, beaches, tidepools and hiking trails galore. It is true suburbia, and I love it here. The Sommer Designs line includes 5 styles of handbag; and they are all named after this lovely area. The collection includes the Malaga Handbag, the Miraleste Shopper, the Del Cerro Tote, the Valmonte Bag and the Catalina Wine Bag, a chic little tote perfectly sized for that perfect bottle of cabernet. In 2005, I added house wares and accessories to the line after seeing the success of the products at fairs and events.

The biggest nightmare story to date is that I was commissioned to design an exclusive bag for a bridal party soon after I launched my line. It was to be a clutch style bag for the bridesmaids, but I had not designed, or made, a clutch yet. Additionally, it was for a friend, at a deep discount. I was working with a raw silk that kept unraveling and ended up looking awful! I kept having to buy more fabric, and experimenting. I learned not to promise something that had not yet been designed, tried and perfected.

The greatest achievement for me is just being out there. I do a lot of local shows and events now, and I’ve finally gotten to the point where someone will come into my booth and say, “I was given one of your bags and I absolutely love it!,” or “I bought one of your bags last year at this show," and then they buy one or two more. I won’t say I’ve made it; I don’t think you ever do, I think you have keep striving to put yourself out there and try new things. But there is great satisfaction in being recognized and desired.