BAG44 ... who we are
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.
Opening a craft business together was something they had often
talked about but never seemed to find the time to pursue. In 2005
their mother was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a rare
blood/bone marrow disease. It was while caring for their terminally
ill mother that the sisters realized there was really no more perfect
time than the present, and in 2007 they started BAG44.
Growing up the two sisters often combined their creative talents.
And today they continue to do so with their custom design
handbag business, BAG44. Pam handles the business side, Joyce
does the sewing. They both contribute to the designs and styles of
the BAG44 collection.
about BAG44 ... the business
BAG44 is a juried "exhibiting member" of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen (KGAC).
Joyce started making handbags as a hobby in 2005, but when friends, family and co-workers saw her work they started asking her to make bags for them. However 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.
Color, texture, and form all play an integral role in the design of their handbags. The fabric must complement the design and vice versa, the design must highlight the fabric. BAG44 handbags are made of quality products, are well constructed and fashionable. The sisters use all types of fabrics, suedes and leathers to make their handbags. They buy from numerous out-of-state companies, but when possible, prefer to buy supplies from Kentucky merchants such as the Tandy Leather Factory in Louisville, Kentucky.
Joyce and Pam want to provide diversity in their craft, to appeal to a broad range of personalities and lifestyles; their designs do just that. With styles that vary from dramatic to classic, whimsical to practical, their bags appeal to all age groups, from little girls to grandmothers.
Customers can buy ready-made bags or they can customize BAG44 handbags to reflect their own personal taste and style. BAG44 is different than similar businesses in that not only do they allow customers to choose the materials, hardware, and trims, they allow them to combine features from different bag styles to create their own design. The sisters want their purses to be affordable for everyone. That is why they developed their business plan to base the cost of a bag on the design and materials used. A handbag made from a designer fabric, leather or suede will cost more than the same design made with one of the fabrics from their basic line.
BAG44 handbags can be seen at various art and craft shows, at a BAG44 “purse party” and online at their handbag photo gallery and fabric gallery. See BAG44 Events for updates on shows and parties.
joyce
Over the years Joyce has developed a level of skill and expertise that today is evident in her handmade purses. Joyce started sewing at the young age of seven and by the time she was twelve she made her first handmade quilt. Her love of sewing and crafts never diminished and as an adult she ventured into more challenging mediums. From 2001 to 2003, Joyce hand-crafted custom design bears which she marketed at regional and international craft shows under the name Appalachian Bears. In 2002 she participated in the Teddy Bear’s 100th Anniversary Collectors Show in Cincinnati, Ohio.
our name ...
People often ask about our business name, BAG44. We considered a number of different names, but none seemed quite right until Justin Keibler suggested BAG44. It was a name that was easy to remember, but most importantly a name that would not categorize our designs or project a pre-conceived conception of the type of bags we made.
Justin is the son of Pam Keibler; he assists with marketing and the website. He created the logo and web banner using one of their favorite fabrics. Justin also designs and makes all of the BAG44 purse magents.
pam
Pam was always more interested in the visual aspect of design and color, preferring a sketch pad, canvas and paint to needle and thread. Her love of color, shape and pattern is often reflected in the fabrics and designs she chooses for BAG44.
Pam retired in 2005 from a career in information technology. As System Consultant, she worked at the state and national levels to develop federal automated reporting systems. Her background includes web design, management and marketing.
BAG44 encourages every woman
to set aside "you" time ...
Listen to your inner self and discover
the uniqueness of being you.
Don't let others decide who you are
based on how they think you should be.
You define who you are.
So go ahead, make a statement, take risks,
be bold, progressive, or practical ...
be yourself.
Life is short. Buy the bag.
