A good friend of mine believes that people really just want to connect, so I hope you do, too. There is no big agenda here, I just wanted to share a bit about me.

I always struggle with how best to describe myself since my life often feels like such an eclectic hodge-podge of pursuits, all of which I am equally passionate about.

I live in and love Wisconsin (I know, that says a lot). I am a married woman to Douglas, my very generous partner of 15+ years, mother of 3 wonderful, very active boys, and a tireless fanatic of cooking and knitting. I have always loved fabrics and fibers, from such an early age (a small, handsewn mobile of little stuffed pillow letters comes to mind.) I began sewing my own clothes by the time I was 11 or so. Needless to say, I completed a bachelor's degree in apparel design, and then radically changed direction, moved across the U.S., and found myself getting knee or maybe waist deep in Public Policy. I was able to finish a Master's degree but was inspired as a wife and mother to pursue yet another path. I shifted gears and began research in Family Studies because I wanted to explore relationships a little more. I found myself passionate about research and after 7 long years in graduate school~ I emerged with a Ph.D. focused on teenagers and their amazing obsession with how they look.
You may be wondering, so how did I become focused on designing and sewing beautiful handbags? We all know life continues to take us on various journeys some of which we have no control but we strive to make the best of our situation.

Just when I thought I was settling into an academic career, my youngest son was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes also known as Type 1 Diabetes. Our lives changed in ways no one could predict, leading me to be home full time to provide him with the care that he needs. I found a yearning to get back in touch with my creative side was coming on stronger than ever. That passion for creating things has come out in many different shapes and sizes, one of which is this business and designing handbags and other wonderfully touchable, colorful, and luxurious things with fabrics. My mind is always wandering to that gorgeous fabric or accessory and what shape would work well to best show it off.

For those of you wondering what other ways this creative passion has evolved, I am also designing special (patent pending) clothing for children with diabetes, that I will launch sometime in the near future. Until then....enjoy the handbags! And send me your stories or requests as they come to you.

Best Wishes,

Laurie