Jill Scales is the creative designer and entrepreneur behind Daisy Bags; she makes her line of handbags and accessories by hand, from the patterns to the final product. Jill got started creating handbags that are unique, durable, and custom made, and her customers responded so well that she expanded her business to be her full-time job. Jill's beautiful work is a special gift for anyone on your list, and a piece from the Daisy Bags collection will be treasured for years to come.
.jpg)
Who are you and what do you do?
Why carry around an ordinary handbag when you can carry a Daisy Bag? I've always loved sewing-in high school I made my own clothes. When my girlfriends started having babies, they all got baby quilts. Sewing has always been a part of my life. In 2004, I was on the search for an affordable bag featuring a photo of my first "baby"-a black Labrador retriever named Daisey. I found one -- for $200. Rather than fork over that much cash, I decided to just make one myself. I took it to work and everyone loved it. Timing was perfect--it happened to be right before Mother's Day. Handbags with pictures of children, grandchildren, pets, and loved ones were the perfect gift idea. Several orders where placed and Daisy Bags was launched. I left my retail management job that fall to create and design full time. During the past 14+ years, Daisy Bags has evolved into a multiline handbag and accessory company for the whole family. Each design and bag is still made by me in my Elk Grove Village, IL home studio. I sell on my website, have an Etsy shop and spend my weekends May-December selling at 20-30 art shows a year. I also take full advantage of social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest) to connect with customers. Daisy bags has allowed me to do what I love for a career at home, all while raising a 13-year-old daughter, 11-year-old son and of course my 15-year-old Daisey.
What's the latest thing you've been working on?
My latest creation is the reusable straw bag. People are starting to realize how much waste is created from the disposable straws we use at coffee shops, restaurants and even at home. I created a bag to hold your reusable straw. Now you can carry your straw bag to all your favorite spots and help save the environment. A stainless steel straw is included.
What do your customers love most about your products?
Customers love how long my bags last. They hold up against years of use. I joking tell them “I need to make my bags fall apart after a year, so you have to buy a new one.” I have customers come back with bags 10+ years old. I always love seeing the “vintage” Daisy Bags.
What motivates you to create?
Creating functional pieces is what motivate me. I see a need in the market (ie reusable straw bag, trash bag for the car, cell phone keeper) and I create a bag to fill that need. The keeper and car trash bags are one of my most popular accessories. I think the reusable straw bag will be the top item for this holiday season.
What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
I create all the designs myself. Each bag is hand cut by me, not using a pattern. I mix and match fabrics to create a unique look that is very different from my competitors. The appliqué flowers and the buttons trees are 100% Daisy Bags. No one else creates anything like it.
.jpg)
Check out more of Jill's work online, and be sure to stop by her booth at the Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo, November 2-4, 2018 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!
daisybags.com
facebook.com/daisybags
instagram.com/daisybags