I am Excessively Diverted

It was the morning of June 5, 2018 and the news that Kate Spade had left our world shook me to my very core.

Just one of my many idols, it was her iconic boxy tote handbag design in the 90s that made me a fan.  Carrying her very recognizable handbag (but to only those in the know) meant instant cred to every 20-something year old at the start of their careers.  I remember myself, young and eager, commuting with the rest of the working world, still very new and exciting to me, rushing out of BART, speed walking down Market to my very first corporate job in the financial district of Downtown SF, feeling every confidence in the world because of it...my very own designer bag, sitting oh so pretty on the crook of my arm.  I was an adult. I was a working girl. I was on the 47th floor, in a major city.  I was the ish.

Little did I know, after this short corporate stint, that I myself would become a handbag designer.  I worked my way from the bottom, learned every aspect of the business for the next 18 years, until at last, I reached the very top.  And through it all, never did I forget those early days and how a simple bag could make you feel so...friggin'...good.  I was changed. And I've been chasing that same high ever since.

June 5, 2018 ended up being the most ironic day.  Waking up to the terrible news about Kate Spade, then learning later that very same day that after 18 years with my company, they were closing.  I was in disbelief. I was devastated.  I was...jobless.  But looking back, the day her life ended is the day mine began. I picked myself up.  I went freelance.  And now, I have MaryJane.

Funny how life is.  I came across this Kate Spade notebook the other day and on the front it says "I am excessively diverted." - Jane Austen  

Thank you Kate Spade, while you were doin' you, you got us.  And because of you, I'm chasing heights I never imagined.  I am...excessively diverted.

- Chris

I'm in Love with MaryJane (Handbags)

My first time wearing a MaryJane bag, straight out of the box. 7/9/19

I'm back!  Not that I went anywhere, but I had to break away for a loooooong sec from blogging.  Anyone that blogs religiously feels me on that...I know.

Well since you heard from me last, it's been a crazy year.  From being laid off (after 18 years of commuting/office-ing/coworker-ing/career-ing and honing handbag designing to comfort level 10) to then going freelance and working from home with all the perks of getting up and starting your day without walking out your front door, dressing comfortably (possibly in pjs, IJS) and the only coworker interrupting my flow...my dog Mugsy.  Not to mention all the travel in between, because #alwaysonvacay but #alwaysworking.  I've been getting bearings on this new life of mine and it's been real, but in only good ways, because everything - good or bad - is a learning experience, amiright?  

So while I was #alwaysonvacay #alwaysworking, a best friend enlightened me one very special day, and asked why I wasn't making bags for MaryJane, my own brand?  

Good question best friend.  WHY indeed?  And so began the quest, to take comfort level 10 to my own brand.  Because as best friend so eloquently added, "If you don't, then next year will be no different from today."

A fear worse than the unknown.

And so today, us #MaryJaneGirls bring to you our newest endeavor - leather handbags.  A momentous homage to our ancestors, our handmade leather goods are proudly made in the historic leather shoe capital of the Philippines, Marikina. With leather directly sourced, then handcrafted with love, in the country our parents were born and the roots and culture we were raised on...our motherland.  We're so in love and we hope you will be too.

-Chris

I'm in love with MaryJane.

She's my main thing.

She makes me feel alright.

She makes my heart sing.