Welcome to our latest edition of Designer Spotlight, featuring Bad Ass California fashion designer Kim White, who started making designer handbag made with vintage upholstry car fabrics.  

 

Uhm, WHAT? 

 

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Kim White Handbags & Belts was established in 2003 in Los Angeles, California.  What began as a one-of-a-kind, handmade textile bag business with Kim sewing each bag herself has bloomed into a boutique business specializing in both leather belts and bags.   

 

Kim’s belts and bags are all made in the USA with the finest craftsmanship, made by real people, one by one.  This specialty line of leather goods is made to last, with attention paid to the finest quality craftsmanship. The buckles Kim uses on her belt line are specially cast uniquely for Kim White.  

 

Craftsmanship is key, only gorgeous high-quality leathers are used, and styles are designed to withstand temporal trends. 

 

All proudly designed and hand made in the U.S.A. Kim White lives and works in Highland Park, California. 

 

We could literally write every word Kim White shared with us in these show notes – because she is THAT awesome.   

 

 

“You need a niche to get rich!” 

 

 

To summarize the vibe she brings to the show this week, we’ll just share this. This is how it all started when Kim had no money: 

 

“Okay, so what happened was, I worked for a big fashion designer in Los Angeles for a really long time. And they were crazy. They went out of business eventually. And I found myself out of a job. I found myself so broke, I hadn’t even been paid for the past three paychecks, So, no rent money, no hotel, I was screwed. And I was in an apartment at the time. And I'm just like, “What am I going to do?” 

 

Well, she asked around LA for fabric sources because she had a fabric sewing machine. And someone told her about a company that supplied fabrics for American cars from the 70s and 80s. She literally couldn't believe it. This is when she said, “This is my niche to get rich!”  She started a fabric vintage car handbag line, and she killed it.  

 

“I killed it. In my first month in business. I was like on E TV, I was in French Vogue, I was on all the fashion magazines back then. And this was in the early 2000s. So that's when it really mattered to have actual press. So that's “a must” for beginning stories!” 

 

Today, Kim has extended her line to include unique belts and other accessories. In this episode she shares her journey as a designer, as woman entrepreneur, and the rollercoaster ride of running your own fashion brand.  

 

It ain’t easy folks, but with the attitude and passion of someone like Kim, it can be done.  

 

This is one wild ride of an episode, so hold on to your seat, and meet KIM WHITE! 

 

PRO TIP: Want to see all of the designs discussed today? See Holly’s exclusive curated Pinterest Boards here. 

 

 

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