I am about to finish up the last quarter of my bachelors degree in fashion/accessory design at Savannah College of Art and Design. My aesthetic can be described as detail oriented, wearable and classic. I am just getting started with my line, and am planning to expand my brand soon. I use kidskins from Shrut & Asch Leather co. (Woburn, Massachusetts) and silk from Mood Fabrics in New York. I find that together, these materials create luxurious, fashionable and durable handbags. My target audience is someone who is looking for timeless, quality pieces to add to their wardrobe. I am very inspired by minimalism. I also like to emphasize on detailing such as a zipper in an unconventional place or hardware embellishments.

My line started when I noticed the overwhelming, positive reaction from my peers upon viewing my work. I realized this is not only something that I love doing, it is well-received by my peers as well, and that I should pursue accessory design. My line is made entirely by me. I do everything from sketching/designing, patterning, cutting, sewing, and finishing every bag myself.

I haven’t really had anything terrible happen to me (yet)—I guess some trial and errors in pattern design wound up working differently than I had originally planned but I think every designer needs to go through that when they are starting out. My greatest achievement in this process has been being so well-received by so many people. It is a HUGE compliment that the IHDA likes my work enough to feature me. It’s all worth it to me because not only am I happy, doing what I love, but I am also making my family proud.