Suzanne & Handbags…
Prior to our 2006 trip to Kauai, Suzanne had discovered Denise Tjarks through this San Francisco Chronicle article. I think she actually found the article through a link on one of the Kauai blogs that we occasionally read.
On our trip in May 2006, Suzanne was lucky enough to meet Denise at a tiny local craft fair and buy a vintage bag. If you are interested, Suzanne appears at the beginning of the third row of Denise’s made for each other page.
So as crazy as it sounds, one of the highlights of our trip has been a return visit to that same crafts fair to see Denise yet again and buy a bag or three. So anticipated was this that it was confirmed in advance via email. Obviously, she was successful since she bought three bags. I have captured her with two of the bags here.
This trip highlight represents more than just the purchase of a few handbags. Denise is just a great person — warm, friendly, and very accommodating. I do not think this is a regular occurrence, but Suzanne was able to pick a button and the purse handle out and thereby influence the final assembly details — now that’s customer service!
If you happen to be on Oahu in mid-August, you can find Denise at the Made in Hawaii Festival. She was telling us that this is the event where she displays and sells the most handbags of the year.
I cannot help but think we will be hearing more from Denise as she continues to build her unique brand — fun and funky island style handbags (and they are even reversible!). Can you imagine building a great new business on an island paradise? While handbags are not my thing, I’m completely envious of her accomplishments so far.