When I was 7 years old, I decided that I wanted to be a fashion designer and my mind has not changed since then. I am in my third and final year of a bachelor of fashion design at CIT in Canberra, Australia. I sell my handbags in a little boutique called 'Ruby and Rogue' and at the Kingston markets. All of my bags are hand made, one off designs. They are very feminine and brightly colored.

I always look for interesting materials to use and since I work at a fabric store, there is never a short supply of fabric inspiration. My handbags are fabric rather than leather, as there are so many leather bags around and I tried to do something different. My target consumer is women aged 25 - 50, who like something unique and handmade. I gather inspiration from everywhere from things that I see are beautiful, things that are happening in my life at the time or from the fabrics themselves.  Each bag that I make is a unique one off design, so the customer can feel special in knowing that their bag is their own and they wont pass someone in the street with the same one.

My bags are still very young as I am still studying and I don't think they have reached their full potential yet. I started making bags for myself and friends when I was in high school. I love making bags and was always making more. When my house started to fill up with bags, I decided to have a stall at the markets. It was very promising and since then I have introduced them into the boutique and continued at the markets. People are beginning to recognize my name, which is the best I could hope for when starting out.  This year I have added camera bags as one of my products. If you want a camera bag they are boring and black so I have created a 'ladies' camera bag in bright colors just like the handbags. I have also started to add other matching accessories to my handbag line. The customer can buy matching purses, cuffs and earrings.

My greatest achievement is probably in knowing that people are willing to part with their hard earned money for something that i have created. I love my handbags and it is so warming to know that others love them too. I am very motivated to continue this year and expand after my studies. There are so many possibilities out there. It's what you make of it!