UPDATE: To reserve your bag visit the Kickstarter Campaign, donate, and you will be the first to receive a bag from the collection.

~April 15th marks a very big day for me, the launch of my Kickstarter Campaign!~

I’ll never forget the very first handbag I made back in 2003, I made it out of am old leather jacket, recycled leather belts and a cream cable-knit sweater.

Since that Saturday morning nearly 9 years ago the adventure into the world of handbag design has brought me here, to this moment.

We all have something that we love, that inspires us, that makes us push ourselves to create, to take chances and grow. (Mine just happens to be handbags)

I love making handbags because to me they are the most personal accessory a woman has.

I think of handbags like friends, they’re always at your side no matter the day, no matter the weather.

They carry our life when we’re away from home. To me, women’s handbags tell the world the story about who they are, what they love and where they are going.

Over the years I have been lucky enough to design and make many custom creations for friends, family and clients. Throughout the process I’ve learned many new techniques, perfected my skills and listened carefully to their feedback. Every new bag came with it’s own set of challenges and there were things that didn’t work and a few design nightmares, but those moments have all been learning experiences. Nothing worthwhile is easy and success is only enjoyed when you have others to share it with.

That is why my favorite part of the process has always been seeing the look on someone’s face when they unwrap their new bag.

Last October I decided it was time to take the plunge and find a manufacturer that could produce my handbags with the care and attention that I would give them. I spent many hours researching and visiting potential factories and was lucky enough to find one right here in Chicago. It was very important to me personally to find a state-side  manufacturer and be able to support the local economy as well as the Midwest Fashion scene. I was also able to find leather and hardware sources right here in the U.S. and though the prices are higher, they make up for it with quality.

Turning over my handmade samples, sketches and patterns was a bit surreal as I had become accustomed to handmaking every bag myself. But seeing how they crafted the stamping dies from each of my pattern pieces and then create my production samples was so exciting!

Being able to share what I love to do with everyone who has supported me is what has been the driving the force when the journey seemed to difficult. The next step is placing my very first order with my manufacturer and to do this I have a minimum order I am required to meet before any bags can be made. Launching a Kickstarter Campaign will allow me to offer the very first handbags made to all my friends, family, fans,supporters and believers at a very special discount. To make this possible I need your help: On April 15th we will be hosting a Kickstart Fashionjenn Launch Party in Chicago. It’s an open invite to anyone who would like to come by to view, try on and order their favorite handbag. Refreshments and champagne will be flowing and it will be a great opportunity to meet some fellow Chicago fashionista’s!

(If you don’t live in Chicagoland don’t worry, you will be able to contribute to the campaign through Kickstarter and order a bag at the special price too.)

To reach my goal I need your help, you can share my story with a friend and they can share it with their friends, and together we can tell our story.

By supporting me, you are supporting not only my work and my dream, but local Chicago businesses and the Chicago Fashion scene.

(And getting some killer handbags that will make you the envy of every fashionista!)

xoxo

~Fashionjenn