It's All In The Bag
"Never giving up and making mistakes- You can't be scared to make the mistakes.. that is where the learning happens'-Kayla Morgan
I want to talk about the fabulously talented Kayla Morgan and her adorable chic handbag brand Kay-la Handbags. All of her goods are handmade in the Deep South in her Hammond studio. The prints are incredibly fun and whimsical and just add that perfect pop to your wardrobe. I have known Kayla for many years now ( I think a decade actually, whew) and love keeping up with everything that she is doing. I am thrilled for you to have the opportunity to know more about Kayla and her handbag empire.
Interview with Kayla:
-Tell us about the beautiful woman behind Kay-la Handbags?!
Well where do I start...I've been working on my craft for about 15+ years and evolving my handbags along the way. I live with my golden retriever, Roxie in a 100 year old cottage. My house is full of local artist's work and nothing really matches but somehow it blends. My love all for all bright, vintage-like and functional is where my passion for my business comes from.-- you should see my front porch-it's bright!! I'm a hometown gal with a big city love but my southern roots are pretty deep. I graduated with a BA in Marketing and strong art background so the handbags just came about ... truly a natural fit.
-How did you get to where you are today?
Never giving up and making mistakes- You can't be scared to make the mistakes.. that is where the learning happens. The artist in me is always reinventing the process and the product but surrounding myself with positive creative people is a huge bonus! But in the end, it's the ladies (and men) that have bought my goods! They are the reason I'm where I am today.
"I love to express my creative flair through the designs of my unique handbags and totes that contribute to a woman’s whimsical yet personal style. And the fact that you have chosen my handbags to be a part of your wardrobe is truly the joy of it! I know you will continue to enjoy these bags that are named after the women that inspire the collections" -Kayla Morgan
-Do you have a favorite from your collection and why is it your fave?
My vintage Tie collection. This collection first premiered in the early 2000's and I brought it back about a year ago. It was originally inspired by my dad's tie collection. (He was a cigar sales rep for years in the 70-80's with a hip style so I had the best inspiration). Something about the eclectic mix of an old tie on a printed fabric makes me happy! It's just unique and FUN!
( I owned one of these myself and my dog Milo ate it and I am still not recovered Kayla. The ties are also my favorite. )
Kayla can do a custom order on this with your own ties so such a perfect way to remember a loved one
-What has been your greatest achievement in your handbag career year-to-date?
Hmmm. probably receiving 6 different design awards from the Fashion Group International. but there are really so many!
"My inspiration and designs really start with what inspires me! --I have to love it to make it and sell it but I also listen to my clients"- Kayla Morgan
-If you were to design a bag specifically for one person, who would it be and why?
My mom! She has been carrying a handbag for over 60 years and she would know what's best!--It's true what they say...
"I don't get too caught up in trend reports etc, I really have always had a natural pulse on what is current with colors and prints" -Kayla Morgan
- How is a Kay-la handbag made? What are the materials you use and how do you get your inspiration for your collections?
My inspiration and designs really start with what inspires me! --I have to love it to make it and sell it but I also listen to my clients- what they are looking for or what they need in an accessory. I don't get too caught up in trend reports etc, I really have always had a natural pulse on what is current with colors and prints. (creative souls just work like that, smiles).
We start with our patterns which take months to develop and prototypes which I test in use. We use quality cottons to texture fabrics and even leather on some pieces. All of our items are made in Louisiana. Keeping the labor local was important to me: 1. to have easy access to the production and 2. to support other local women with incredible talent.
-What kind of person has a Kay-la handbag?
We cater to a variety of women... from the college gal in her early 20's-- small accessories, to women in their 30's - small hand clutches, to new mom's- crossbody styles. The "kay-la handbags" gal is definitely fashion-forward and on-the-go! --she likes to support local designers and see the value in each handcrafted item!
-You have added other items to showcase like the eyeglass case?! What other things are you making? New items to keep our eyes out for?
A new clutch -- (with an accent- vintage keys)
More hand-painted fabric items
-What kind of advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the fashion industry today with their own line of handbags?
Find people that will help you! Talk to other designers. (all types of designers) Trust your instincts, follow your heart and don't give up but don't give in either. Keep your mission close by and be ready to make sacrifices in order to make your dreams come true. (the good and the bad)
"Trust your instincts, follow your heart and don't give up but don't give in either"-Kayla Morgan
-How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Check back with me in about a year.... this is a work in progress.
I have a full time job as a principal in a marketing firm that specializes in marketing for salons and spas. So my handbags are my children (it's both personal and business)
-What is the most important lesson you have learned from your professional life?
I had a store front which opened before the recession in 2008 and we made it through. I eventually closed it so I could focus more on my designs and less on the retail end of things but I learned how to evaluate opportunities and make better decisions. I consider that 6 years... getting my MBA!
-What advice would you give to your 23 year old self?
Practice. Invest in yourself more, Learn more, take more classes, ask more questions! Never stop making art! -----whatever that is!
-If you could design a bag for me, what would you create?
Boho chic-- for fall -- definitely fringe with large compartments, if it were summer- some funky up-cycled hand clutch!
-You have incredible style...where do you get your inspiration from?
My style icons are Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, and my mom! I love the styles from the 50's-60's. However I love to mix patterns and colors. One piece always has to be bold!
-Favorite thing in your closet?
Currently (this changes monthly) Yellow Denim Jeans! they are fab!!!
-Oldest thing in your closet?
Oh my.... my big star denim jacket--- holes and all! Still a classic! I've had it about 10 years
-Fall item you are coveting?
I covet it every year! My poppy red JCREW coat! I can't get enough of it!
-Fave places to shop?
ALL the local boutiques, ( but in NOLA, Funky Monkey- my pineapple skirt from there this summer has to be my most complimented item ever! )
Main stream; (current mood) Madewell, Anthropologie, JCrew
-Living in Louisiana ..what are your favorite things to do there?! (sip, eat, play, and stay)
So... I have a beekeeping business with a college friend! Lately some fave things have been learning more about that business and enjoying walks with Roxie, taking in nature, and a good glass of wine with friends on the weekends. I had a personal goal this year to explore more locally (food, art, travels), that I just don't take advantage of... so I've made some trips to a few of the coastal towns near my area, exploring more art markets, more museum trips and more antique shopping!
-Whats next for Kayla?!
MORE bags, of course!
Find your perfect Kay.la Creation here and let me know which one you order! I am personally loving the gator leather bags and the flamingos are so adorable!!! I also am lusting over the world map pieces for a good friend of mine.
(all pictures are Kayla's taken by her or Lauren Carroll photography.)
Shop Kayla's look here.
Xo
Sam