A New Yorker Gets Lost In Hong Kong
In my shop you'll find everyday casual bags, crossbody bags, totes, beach bags, wristlets, and more. I bring a simple, modern perspective and casual vibe to each of my designs. I rely on creativity, integrity, responsibility, attention to detail, and above all, good old-fashioned hard work, and I hope that resonates with each of my items.
All aspects of production--sourcing, measuring, sewing, cutting, complaining, packaging, and shipping--are done by me. Its a labor of love, but it insures that each bag is crafted with the exact same care and quality every time. All aspects that don't involve actual production--accounting, photography, dreaming, thinking, harboring self doubt--are also all done by me here in NY.
Backstory
In the Spring of 2006, I followed my then-boyfriend across the world to Hong Kong. (He had been transferred there for work.) I was able to continue working remotely (part-time) for a Wall St. tech firm I had been with for 10 years, although I was only logging in for about an hour or two each day. I was certain that living in Hong Kong and having a ton of free time would enable me to: write the next great bestseller, learn Mandarin, master martial arts, volunteer for some worthy causes, become proficient with chopsticks, prepare Dim Sum specialties, and journal about all my great adventures, I found instead that without direction, I felt lost. Away from friends and family and without a schedule or goal, I felt purposeless. Exhausting the tourist spots, the hidden local spots, and anywhere else my flip flops and a little red taxi could take me, I soon grew restless.
One day, drifting through a town in search of motivation, I instead found inspiration. Wandering into a tiny shop, I discovered shelves from floor to ceiling filled with ribbons and trims in every imaginable color, neatly stacked roll upon roll like giant tiered birthday cakes. Further wandering produced an entire town of tiny shops filled with sequins, beads, trims, fabrics and notions in rainbows of color and pattern. I was absolutely awed by all the colors and textures. I immediately felt my mind kick into gear as I imagined what could be made with each piece of fabric, bead or ribbon. I felt a sense of anxious excitement Bargaining mostly in sign language with eager shop owners, I began purchasing a yard or two of the fabric and trims as an excuse to continue browsing the seemingly endless shelves and having no idea what I would use them for. Shiny satins, smooth velvets, and sparkly sequins all found their way into my hands.
With a bit of encouragement from a good friend I set about the endeavor of learning to sew. With an $80 home sewing machine and a new challenge on my hands, hours flew by like minutes. I rediscovered a creative spirit that I had somewhat knowingly pushed aside along the way. I am self-taught through A LOT of trial and error and stubborn determination
Fast forward a few years and I found myself back home in New York City. Things ultimately didn't work out with that boyfriend, but I found solace in a new Yorkie puppy. Journaling about Hong Kong adventures and mastering Dim Sum specialties didn't work out either....but a new passion for sewing and a business venture ensued.
I began listing a few items on Etsy and was surprised when the little sequin purses that I made started selling. Over the course of a few months, sales kept increasing. I began to consider whether I could grow the business if I were to devote myself full time to sewing/designing. When the timing seemed right, I made the leap. It's always a risky move, and it was very difficult to maintain for the first few years. (It's pretty scary to not get a paycheck every week.) One of the hardest parts of running your own business is having the perseverance to ride the ups and downs. 10 years later, that's still the hardest part. But with my full-time attention, the business began to thrive.
When I come up with something new, I can't wait to see what it will look like when it's finished....and then I want to make it in 87 different colors and fabrics. (It can be hard to self-edit.) New projects don't always turn out like the vision in my mind...but that's part of the process. I keep working at it, making adjustments, and learning as I go. (That's actually not just a sewing lesson I've learned; it's become a bit of a life lesson).
I think I lean towards a more casual style. The idea would be to look cool and be comfortable without feeling overdone or too fussy about things.
I can spend hours in a fabric store just thinking. I'm likely to utter a few profanities when a sneaky pin finds a way to stick me, and the bottoms of my socks are forever covered with fabric scraps and loose threads (as is my loyal little dog, Buddy).
