It’s been quite a trip these last seven years of Star50.

Truthfully, I never thought I’d be here; meaning working and designing a handbag line nor being here, at the finish.

Much of what I’ve written about Star50 talks about that moment when a creative spark ignited inside me—shortly after 9/11—I was struck by how bonded and unified America felt; my collection responded to that feeling of history meeting its future, head on.

I can say emphatically that Star50 was a huge learning experience for me. Every step of the way I was challenged, pushed, and prodded while being coddled and encouraged.

Some highlights for me where being featured out of the gate in Accessories Magazine for our super kitschy press kit; traveling and being featured in some major trade shows alongside some pretty big fashion names; applying, being interviewed, accepted then declined by QVC; and finally being shortlisted for Oprah’s favorite things right before the market fell out. As I said, it’s been quite a ride.

Inside the business I met and worked with exceptional professionals who showed me the way into my creative side and laid down a path to follow it out into marketability. I want to thank Krista Criswell for all her guidance and words of wisdom; Yana Donat for everything in between; Laura Simms for her strong coaching words; Sue at The Winning Pitch for pitchin’ and pitchin’; to Terri for reading my mind and drawing it out; and Andre and Jaime, the wizards behind the e-commerce curtain; to Sandy, the queen of wordsmiths; to the endless supply of beautifully crafted copy by my rotating door of bloggers; John in New York for cutting my first bag and making me feel like a designer; to Angie Illustrator Wonder Woman and finally, Marjorie who’s professionalism stretched across land and sea, enabling me to be the designer I hoped to be. I humbly thank all of you for your time, energy and valued work.

Of course there are hundreds of other people I want to acknowledge but that wouldn’t fit on this page. With that said I’m looking to the future once again and using it for other things like my kids; traveling; writing and designing interiors; and new products.

I may be closing this door but there’s at least five others waiting to be opened in this house.

Remember to always choose your state of mind and enjoy your trip through life. Life is truly an adventure!

Amity