Jenna Kator Handbags

The Mydols recently played a few songs at Next Stage Woman, a networking event in Grand Blanc. Judy Davids, our guitarist, was a featured speaker, along with handbag designer Jenna Kator.

I've been wanting to meet Jenna ever since I first heard about her handbags, which are all named after Michigan cities. It turns out her story is very inspiring.

Jenna, of Troy, said she was laid off from her job in advertising in December, 2008, right before Christmas.

The 32-year-old couldn't find work, and went through a dark period until her husband encouraged her to follow her dream.

"I had to reinvent myself," she said. "It was my opportunity to start my own destiny."

Kator had always loved fashion, and with the help of an international team decided to take a gamble and launch her handbag line. Her first collection was delivered in October, 2009, and her Spring 2010 line is expected soon. Kator's goals are to continue selling handbags through home parties, expand into retail stores, and have her products placed in a locally-filmed movie.

Her bags offer clean lines and sophisticated colors, and she calls them 'statement pieces.'

"They say when you have a great bag and a good pair of shoes, you'll have a nice day," she said.

Troy Signature Handbag in winter white, $79.