Located in Southeastern PA, I am an artist turned handbag designer turned textile designer, each one a stepping stone for the next. With Daisy Janie, I have found a way to blend them all together as well as adding a healthy dose of my B.S. in Marketing. The focus of my handbag line is twofold: (1) creating funky fabrics that look great in bag form, and (2) creating handbags that are casual and versatile. Currently, I am working on my 5th collection, due out later this Spring.

I have been in the business of art & design for 7 years, moving from one medium to another as my skills & desires changed. Prior to founding Daisy Janie, I was an artist painting funky designs on my clients’ walls and home accessories, including designer showcases and model homes. I got tired of kneeling behind peoples’ toilets, and believe me, everybody wants their powder room painted! I had a stockpile of fabulous fabrics, so I started sewing and selling handbags as fast as I could. Once established, I began creating textile designs to make my handbags as original and unique as possible. I continue to grow and learn with Daisy Janie and the indie fabric handbag market as a whole.

When it comes to design, I’m from the less-is-more school of thought. I design my own cotton sateens for the body fabric, and the handbag form is simply the “picture frame” for the fabric. To ensure the fabrics standout, I use minimal hardware – keeping the lines of the bag clean and simple. I prefer cotton sateens for their durability and luster. I also use a non-standard interfacing to give the bags a rigid shape; I don’t personally enjoy a flimsy fabric handbag.
Daisy Janie handbags are purchased by women between the ages of 16-56 who prefer mainstream alternatives in the casual handbag market; who enjoy carrying what their neighbor is not; who favor unique designs in something other than leather, vinyl and microfiber; and who enjoy buying US-made products.

Just as a side note, all of my handbags are named after dogs who have been rescued and given a second chance, either by my family or a relative’s. It’s my way of personalizing with a little humor and passion. Having found the most amazing dog on the planet on petfinder.com, it draws attention to the world of dogs in need of rescue. (She has an award!)

Regarding nightmare stories, I’ve definitely had a few! In one recent season, I had managed to pre-sell quite a large number of handbags to boutiques as well as individuals and had given myself an 8-week lead for delivery. The fabric printer didn’t have enough yardage, so they printed what they could. When the remaining fabric was printed 2 weeks later, it was done on the wrong side. So, while I was waiting for the fabric print to run again, some other fires popped up. A company I ordered velvet from (best quality & best price) put my order on backorder until…they don’t know when because the company they get it from is moving production facilities. When they finally sent my order 3 weeks late, it was the wrong width!! Sent that back, too. I was beyond the delivery date and they still had to go my sewing contractor. And she had a tree fall on her power line mid-way through production! Wow! I was in such a tizzy this entire season from so much being out of my control, but it all got done and profuse apologies and comps were made. Everyone understood and life moved on. Moral: Don’t estimate your lead time in a perfect world; give yourself time for mistakes!

With all of that said, the nightmares mean nothing in comparison to the flood of compliments from customers who tell me about the flood of compliments they receive on their Daisy Janie handbag. When the beauty of my handbags is recognized and appreciated in this way, it really inspires me to outdo myself with each collection.