We Design Handbags

Not settling for second-best is something that handbag designer, Mary Bailis, takes very seriously. She only uses the best fabrics, the best equipment, and refuses to sell her creations until they have been perfected. It is this uncompromising attitude that has made her young handbag business, Alexi, a huge success.

“I have sewn all my life and made everything possible there is to make, I even made all six of my bridesmaid dresses,” said Bailis. “I missed using my creative talents and was inspired to get back into it after having a woman’s boutique selling other people’s designs. It inspired me and put the flame back in me to get designing. I wanted to do something that I could do and still stay home with my children.”

Bailis says that she gets her designing ideas from a variety of sources including magazines, the runway, art shows, and by spying what women are carrying. She then takes these ideas and uses them to create her own unique designs. “I make various styles of fabric handbags. I try to appeal to a wide customer base. I have styles from eclectic, vogue, classy, conservative, wild, and very simple. I constantly change the fabrics and embellishments so I keep my line interesting and keep customers coming back.”

Bailis said that while she does not care for most handbags that she sees that she is impressed with Steve Madden’s creations since he uses great textiles and embellishments, something that she is quite fond of. She also strives to use a great deal of embellishments in her designs and feels that this is one of her greatest strengths as a designer.

“I am great with putting it all together with embellishments,” said Bailis. “I have a great talent matching colors and patterns in an unusual way and coming out with a fabulous handbag. I then make sure it is usable. I put together a great quality product. Unfortunately, this is sometimes detrimental. I have been at art shows and people think that I bought the handbags and added trim and embellishments. I always have to put up signs that they are completely handmade and designed by myself. Customers will still question me in disbelief.”

If Bailis’ creations seem too good to be true, it is because she has pushed herself to never settle for anything less than the best. “Don’t sell your product until you have perfected it enough so it doesn’t look ‘home crafted.’ Share your products first with family and friends and ask for their opinions. Swallow your pride on the criticism. Remember; constructive criticism will only help you improve.”

Bailis currently sells her creations at shows in the North Carolina area. She can also be reached through her website at www.AlexiHandbags.com.