Beijo Handbags
Written by Yvette N. Coleman
The pearlescent dreams of Susan Handley came to life nearly six years ago when as a single mother Handley wanted to do more than make ends meet. Susan started Beijo to gain her life back from the tiring guilt-ridden work week that would often, if not always, mitigate her the quality time with her 6 year old son Kyle. Handley stepped out on a risky limb and quit her passionless paycheck-to-paycheck job and searched for a handbag factory in China that could make her designs come alive. Handley started Beijo with no prior business experience! Instead, she had the encouragement of her friends, a loan from her father, and the desire to make a better life for herself and her young son, Kyle. It was Kyle in fact who provided the name for his mom’s company.
“Beijo,” which means “kiss” in Portuguese, was Kyle’s second spoken word, one that the toddler often repeated: “beijo, mama, beijo.” Handley began to sell independently by the armloads from her very own car. Three years later her bags are now sold by the tens of thousands at home parties and now at stores nationwide. Many of the women who host Beijo parties are in the process of gaining their first measure of financial independence. These women are, as Handley says, “exactly like myself, who can do something to make money and feel good and still be there at the bus stop at 2:00 when their children get home.” Handley had a vision and followed her dreams and is committed to remaining accessible through affordability.
“As a single mother I could not afford a designer handbag and that became an instant part of my vision: affordable designer handbags. Most women cannot afford to spend more on their handbags than their car payments or in some cases house payments,” explains Handley. Beijo bags have fans from every age, as the styles are classic and fun with basic to colorful choices that are sure to stand the test of time. Handley continues: “We have fans and collectors in every demographic. I spotted a 70 plus year young woman in an airport with our hot pink tote. She looked fabulous! The colors appeal to all age groups and the variety of styles suit the individual needs of any woman.”
Beijo bags are made from “vegetarian friendly” material (no leather) - durable polyvinyl, to which a combination of special materials for their signature pearlescent finish is added. The bags can be recycled when sent back to the manufacturer!
What do you think will be the biggest trends for 2008?
The patent shiny look - - it so hot right now. With prints being popular in clothing you can get creative with color when it comes to your bags. 2008 is a really fun time in fashion.
What trends are you seriously tired of?
I don't want to offend anyone because thankfully everyone has different tastes, but I will be very grateful when one trend in particular dies: the look of throwing everything but the kitchen sink onto a handbag is not for me. Less is more in my opinion.
Beijo’s continued involvement with different charitable organizations on both the corporate and representative level is admirable. Their sales representatives are donating daily,on their own, to any number of local charities across the U.S. and Canada. Beijo is working with Organizations such as Dress for Success, Moms Closet, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and The Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, just to name a few.
Beijo handbags and accessories are sold primarily through Home Showcase Parties and public shows and events. The prices range from $19.00 to $125.00. The average price for a handbag is $75.00.
The Beijo by Susan Handley Signature Collection is available in specialty stores.
Words of wisdom from Susan Handley:
Stay focused and surround yourself with people who believe in you. Choose something you are passionate about. I truly mean this because at the end of the day having a purpose and making a difference is what ultimately leads to fulfillment and happiness. The money will follow.
For more information please visit www.beijobags.com
