Photography courtesy of Stephanie Taylor
A Lakewood designer whose handbags have been carried by Brooke Shields and Katie Couric has launched a new line after a yearslong hiatus.
Neighbor Stephanie Taylor began designing and selling tote bags in the early 2000s. They quickly gained a following across the United States for their timeless fashion and everyday functionality. But Taylor wanted to spend more time with her growing family and stepped away from the business.
“When I did it all those years ago, I was doing great, but I had a newborn and a 2-year-old,” she says. “It was growing and growing quickly, and I had to make a decision on how much focus I’d have on my growing children. I was still sketching and doing things behind the scenes. My kids are in high school now, and I want to pursue my dreams.”
Now, after nearly a decade, she has launched a new line of totes under the Stephanie Taylor name. The Cameron tote, named after her first child, features Italian and Argentine leather and multiple interior pockets that made her bags must-have items in the early 2000s.
In the spring, Taylor plans on launching additional items, including the Cameron in new colors, a Cameron mini and multicolored tassels that can be attached to any of the bags.
Find the bags exclusively at Taluluah & HESS or taylorbags.com. Follow Taylor Bags on Facebook and Instagram.
“I feel like [the right time] is now, even though COVID happened,” Taylor said. “It’s fun to have my kids involved. They went with me to pick my manufactures. They can see what it’s like to start from scratch. It helps them see I can do other jobs other than mom.”
