I've been an independent handbag designer for about five years. I consider myself to be the artsy/hipster type. I'm the membership chair of the Fashion Group International in my region. My plans are to complete my current collection and secure an agent. The materials I use are any and everything I find aesthetically appealing. I re-purpose materials a lot: t-shirts, denim pockets, old handbags. Everything old becomes new again. Each handbag is lined and includes a mirror and my signature. Any woman would want one and I've even gained attention from parents because of their children's interest. Ironically, I find my inspiration during the process, rather than before.

I was given a cigar box purse as a holiday gift, which received a lot of attention, but personally found it bland. I decided to make one myself and the rest, as they say, was history. One unique offering of Tribute Box Collection, is the Heritage Collection, where I use old photos my father left me, the oldest dating back to 1919, before his passing. I've used the photos for men's valets and I also customize with client's photos.

Shortly after I began, I was accepted for a juried exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts. I was called in and told that a customer could tell I was a new artist because I didn't sign my work and that she wasn't going to buy anything until I did. I took my entire collection home and spent the weekend with my wood burner. However, there have been so many, however after an article appeared in the Homestyle section of a local paper, I received inquiries from as far as Las Vegas. I was humbled. Until Oprah calls...offering something truly one-of-a-kind that's genuinely appreciated makes it worthwhile.