Fiber
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Employing different forms of artistic expression, the collaborative creativity of two sisters comes together to produce handbags that combine art, fashion and functionality. Joyce Gunnell and Pam Keibler are sisters and partners in BAG44. The sisters joke about the hobbies that prompted them to start their business; Joyce’s hobby was making purses, Pam’s hobby was buying purses, a perfect combination for their custom design handbag business. Joyce started sewing at the young age of seven and by the time she was twelve she made her first handmade quilt. Pam was always more interested in the visual aspect of design and color, preferring a sketch pad, canvas and paint to needle and thread. Growing up in rural Eastern Kentucky the two sisters often combined their creative talents and today they continue to do so with their custom design handbag business. Pam handles the business side, Joyce does the sewing. They both contribute to the designs and styles of the BAG44 collection. Joyce started out making handbags as a hobby. When friends, family and co-workers saw her work they started asking her to make bags for them. But each one wanted something a little different; a bow, or ribbon, a different color fabric, a different strap. That was when the sisters’ idea for their business started to take shape. “Opening a business together was something we had often talked about but never seemed to find the time to pursue. In 2005 our mother was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a rare blood/bone marrow disease. It was while caring for our terminally ill mother that we realized there was really no more perfect time than the present, and in 2007 we started BAG44. Our website, bag44.com, has a page that provides information about Myelodysplastic Syndrome and how people can help those who suffer from bone marrow failure diseases. We do not mass produce our bags; each is individually hand cut and sewn. We use quality products; designer and decorator fabrics, faux and real leather, suede, canvas, wool, silks, and satins. We put a great deal of time and effort into finding materials that appeal to a broad range of different tastes. Whether it is the newest animal print trend, a retro look or a classic toile, we want to offer our customers a variety of different styles, patterns and colors from which to choose. Our designs as well as samples of our fabric, leather and suede can be found on our website. Customers can buy ready-made bags or they can customize our handbags to reflect their own personal taste and style. We also host purse parties where we personally assist our customers with designing their own bag. BAG44 is different than similar businesses in that not only do we allow customers to choose the materials, hardware, and trims, we also allow them to combine features from different bag styles to create their own design. Our goal is to appeal to a variety of personalities and lifestyles; and we believe our designs do just that. With styles that vary from dramatic to classic, whimsical to practical; our bags seem to appeal to all age groups, from little girls to grandmothers. |
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Pam Kebler and Joyce Gunnell
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