Bag Lady Purseveres

Des Moines Register:

Baldes was 10 years into a career as a graphic designer, when she received a six-month break between projects. The mother of two took the time to mess with projects around the house.

“I started recovering my kitchen chairs and my husband didn’t like the fabric,” she said.

“I tried to bring the fabric back, and they wouldn’t take it because they cut it, so I grabbed some fringe, pulled all the purses I had together and came up with a pattern and made one,” she said.

Bagolitas by Janice, grew 1400 percent in sales last year and launched its new spring line this month.

Sold primarily at in-home parties, Bagolitas developed a nationwide network of sales consultants in just two years.

The company expanded so quickly, Baldes hired a trusted business advisor with years of experience as president, but she maintains creative control, designing the company’s purses and promotional material.