The Pursuit of Cork, Coffee and Magic
I was coming down from the high of having a fabulous idea, and falling right into hustle mode.
I quickly discovered that Europe was way ahead of us, and cork accessories were super popular in Portugal and Spain. Turns out, Portugal is full of magical cork forests, where cork can be ethically harvested, to later be sliced thin and backed by fabric.
But remember, this was two years ago. A long time in the retail industry! Finding cork online was no easy feat, and after weeks and weeks of research, I found a local, California-based manufacturer that had it by the yard for $89. Whoa. In the fabric world, that ain’t cheap! Nonetheless, I was in this thing. I bought it, sketched a quick design, pulled out my classic ‘80s Singer and sewed my first bag. Then promptly sold it via a Facebook post. Cha-ching!
Fast forward six months, and I’m hopping around Vegas. (For a good reason, promise!) Magic, the leading fashion marketplace was in town and I promptly began seeking out every booth from Portugal. All four of them, out of hundreds. Good things never come easy, right?
At one of these booths, I met an angel by the name of Sara. Sara put me in touch with a friend that manufactured cork fabric in Portugal, and I knew I had finally turned a corner. Bingo! Time for the big leagues, Paula, let’s do this!
Sara’s source sold me their minimum order quantity: a whopping one yard.
So, I brewed a fresh pot and got back to work.
p.s. Miss part one? Head over here to read the beginning of the story.
How One Little “A-Ha” Moment Led To An Entire Line Of Cork Handbags (Yes, Cork!)
You know those moments when you get your best ideas? It’s always when you’re least inclined to write it down – in the shower, washing the dishes, driving on the highway. For me, it’s usually when I lie down to fall asleep after a long day. But my best idea, the one that led to the very site you’re reading this on, was (quite literally) a gift.
Once upon a time, I was gifted a cork purse from Portugal. I was delighted, to say the least. I’d seen plenty of wine and champagne corks in my lifetime, but never anything else made from cork until that moment. As a personal stylist, I’m always on the lookout for unique accessories, so I was intrigued. Okay, and it helped that it was beautiful and stylish. Naturally, I started wearing it.
You could say I have a thing for purses. I switch them out pretty frequently, always wanting to highlight a new one. But whenever I wore this cork purse people were mesmerized. No exaggeration! Strangers and friends would pepper me with questions:
“Can I touch it?” and then, “Wow, it’s so soft!”
“Cork...as in, wine? That kind of cork?”
“I’ve never seen a cork purse before!”
Women and men would stop me on the street, ask questions and make comments about it. As more and more people asked about my cork purse, the “a-ha” moment hit. There may or may not have been an actual light bulb floating over my head – it was that strong.
I had to make a line of cork handbags.
The go-getter in me immediately got to work, hunting down sheets of cork.
When I left my executive career to start my own business as a stylist, I knew – I’m talking super-strong-gut-feeling knew – three things:
1. Despite being in the second prime of my life (read: “middle-aged”), making a drastic industry swap, and facing an economic downslide, I’d make it;
2. I would design and launch a fashion line; and
3. I’d write a book. (This “a-ha!” moment was one of those 10pm, sliding into bed ones. and the universe shouted at me, “get your a-double-s back up, grab a notepad and write this shit down”. So I did. More on that later.)
And here we are, well past the beginning but oh-so-far from the happily ever after. Right in the middle of the journey, which is shaping up to be just as thrilling as that first jolt of inspiration. Want to come along for the ride?
Hello!
I believe yoga class is best chased by a vodka with a twist of lime.
I believe in adventure, whether it’s a road trip up the California coast in my comfy velour jumper or sipping champagne in first-class in my highest heels.
I believe in women having the freedom to go after what they want without batting an eyelash.
And I believe your wardrobe should effortlessly accent your lifestyle ...starting with a great handbag.
Late nights researching the cork forests of Portugal. Traveling six states in five days to meet manufacturers. Sewing samples in my California studio.
In a glance, the creation of this handbag line can be traced back over two years of research, design and exploration. To the moment when a handbag made of a vaguely familiar, attention-grabbing material sparked the "a-ha" moment that turned this personal stylist into an accessory designer.
But really, it can be traced back to a lifetime of experiences. To leaving a 20 year career to start my next life as a accomplished personal stylist. To going back to school while raising four teenagers (and three dogs). To waving buh-bye to the struggles I faced in the past to build the future I wanted, brick by brick.
That’s why I started this company. It’s for women {and fellas} like us, to prove that we can live life on our terms. To put those boxing classes to work, knocking out any obstacles that get in the way with a strong one-two punch!
I am showing up everyday to create a line that’s not only unique, lightweight, washable, duarable, stain resistant, water repelling, antimicrobial, hypoallergenic {fewf, say that 5 times fast!} but is chock- full of thoughtful features and is hand-sewn right here in the USA.
Let’s face it, our lives (and our closets) are filled to the brim! We need quality accessories that complement our individual styles and our busy schedules. And, most importantly, we should never have to sacrifice style for practicality. We deserve it all, don’t you think?
If we were together, I’d be pulling you in for a big hug right about now. Consider this a virtual squeeze, girlfriend!
Welcome to my journey,
