Have you ever seen the Showtime hit show Weeds? One of my favorites! But I also live in that same suburban town. I’ve always loved surrounding myself with creative people. I think inside a creative mind is a straight shot to their soul. No fakiness…only real thoughts and feelings. Which for me, living in “Stepford” suburbia is a breath of fresh air!(and maybe one of the reasons I LOVE writing this blog).  Johanna Penagos is one of these old friends and a very talented artist. I feel so privileged to share her story with you.

Beso Hanbags "Eve"- $42.00

Johanna recently started Beso Handbags and just introduced her fall line, which is amazing! Her fabric choices are fun and casual…and also very chic. Here is what she had to share with us about her start, her current collection and what’s to come with Beso Handbags.

LDB: Tell me about your interest in designing handbags. When did it start?

JP: I’ve always loved making things, from the time I was a little girl. My very favorite thing to make was paper dolls and their clothes, and purses and wallets using paper and tape. I went to college and graduate school and became a school psychologist. I loved working with the kids, but something was missing. When I made the decision to leave my job and stay at home with my two children, I had the perfect opportunity to begin building a business. My mom gave me her old sewing machine and the basics of sewing, and I just began by sewing every chance I could get. I’ve always loved handbags and so I taught myself how to make patterns and sew in zippers. I love the process of having an idea in my head and seeing it come to life. It makes me feel great when I know that someone appreciates and enjoys my work.

LDB: What were you inspired by when you sat down to design your latest fall collection?

JP: I guess I can say that I was inspired by busy moms, just like myself. I wanted to incorporate fun and function into my collection. I love the way that my fall collection came together. I decided to take a couple of my best selling styles and add in a few new ones. I wanted to offer bags that each served a purpose, for both the working woman and the busy mom. Every woman needs a great clutch, an everyday purse and something bigger for when you need to carry around more stuff. For example, jane, my backpack, works great as a diaper bag, and grace and mae, my large purses work great as work tote/purse. I also love my fabrics this season. No matter what the industry says about animal print…they will always be classic to me. I love my velvet cheetah and my linen zebra. I love fun bold prints and I love playing with linings.

LDB: How is this collection different from your past collections?

Beso Handbags "Mae"- $70.00

JP: This time around, the client has more control over her bag. I’m now working from more of a “design your own bag approach”. In this collection, I have more of a structured concept. The customer is able to choose from six styles of bags and then customize her bag by choosing from 20 brand new fabrics. Her bag is then custom-made for her and ready to carry within 2 to 3 weeks.

LDB: In the next 5-10 years, where would you like to see your company go?

JP: I have been so pleased with the positive response I have gotten from my customers right off the bat, and I love how my company has grown thus far, primarily by word of mouth. I’m now expanding that concept and I currently have two representatives in different parts of the country. We are in the beginning stages of getting them set up to begin selling beso handbags. I still sew all of the bags myself, so I am also looking into getting some help in that area. Within 5-10 years, I see this concept expanding even more, with reps in every state. I also envision a brick & mortar store/studio. A place full of inspiration, where my bags can be sewn, where I can design as well as oversee the daily operations of my company, and where local and visiting customers can come in to shop.

LDB: Where would we find you when you’re not sitting at your sewing machine?

JP: First and foremost, I am a mom and a wife, so you would find me with my family. I am the fieldtrip coordinator for my daughter’s third grade class, so you may find me volunteering at her school or chaperoning a group of third graders on a fieldtrip. Or you may find me in the park with my three-year-old son or at home, painting or reading with him or watching one of his favorite t.v. shows. You may find me on a date night with my husband, enjoying dinner out and a movie, or curled up on my sofa watching “so you think you can dance”, “project runway” or something along those lines.

LDB: Do you have a favorite online or boutique shop?

JP: I absolutely love all of the unique things that you can find on etsy. I think I have over a hundred favorite sellers now. I’m a big fan of an extremely talented woman named Lisa Leonard, who creates customizable sterling silver jewelry. You can find her at www.lisaleonardonline.com. Also, I recently was introduced to www.modcloth.com, vintage-inspired, really cute!

I’ve had the opportunity to see Johanna’s collections grow and adapt over the last few seasons and I know that her talent is becoming a testament to the quality of Beso Handbags. This is a name we’ll see more of in the future.

And I have great news for LDB readers! Johanna is offering an exclusive 10% discount to each of you! Just indicate “LDB reader” in the special instructions section upon checkout. And she’ll honor the discount. Click here to make a custom order or click here to browse her shop.

Thanks, Johanna!