Cara Kiely

After a ten-year career in accounting that left her longing for the creative expression she loved as a child, Cara Kiely sought her freedom from corporate America and began designing custom leather handbags.

It all started when Cara, a busy working mom of two small children, grew frustrated with the constant act of having to rummage through her purse in search of her wallet, keys, cell phone, etc., all while juggling one child on her hip and another at her side. After an unsuccessful search for an off the rack solution, Cara decided to create her own hassle-free bag that would suit her multitasking lifestyle, but still exude her fashionable flair.

With her design concept mapped out, Cara went to her local fabric store for supplies and immediately went home to create her ideal handbag. She quickly discovered, however, that cotton and synthetic fabrics just wouldn’t cut it with their flimsy shape and disheveled structure, and so turned to what is now her source of creative inspiration: leather.

Cara checked out every book she could find at the library on leatherwork and contacted other self-taught leather handbag designers for advice. Armed with everything a novice designer needs: a design, materials, instructional literature, and, of course, the passion and drive to make it work; Cara created her first leather handbag. Cara then used the leftover leather to create market totes to give to family and friends for the holidays, and needless to say, they were a hit!

What began as an effort to simplify her busy life soon turned into a hobby and is now a successful and fulfilling career. Combining her initial concept of functional quality with style and design, Cara now creates custom handbags for her clients, showcasing the beauty of natural leathers and hides.