Janet Gray launched Janet Gray Designs LLC six years ago from the spare bedroom of her home in Richmond, Virginia. She sewed window treatments and soft furnishings for local customers. She learned by experience, and describes her beginnings as an “intense internship in the real world.” In 2002, shortly after relocating to the Cleveland area, she expanded into designing and sewing fabric handbags to sell at a local market. The success of this new venture led to large demand, and she soon was so busy that she couldn’t keep up with the work. “I was regularly sewing until 2:30 in the morning, and knew something had to change. I probably wanted to quit at least a 100 times.” She confides. “So many people encouraged me. That kept me going.” Her husband and friends supported her passion to create, and in the summer of 2006, she expanded into manufacturing and distribution of her own line of genuine leather and fabric handbags, travel totes and accessories.

Her new line reflects her personality and values in every detail. You can see the quality in every aspect of the bags, from the materials used to the efficient pocket system. The genuine leather trim adds durability as well as beauty. Janet designs every detail of her collections, from the fabrics to the keychain that adorns the larger pieces. Her collections have an updated classic style, which makes each piece a great addition to any woman’s wardrobe. The unique styles appeal to all ages. The travel totes are very roomy and can be used as an athletic bag, overnight bag or even a diaper bag for the mom who desires style as she carries around her little one’s gear. She has also added the Unibag to her collections, which can double as a makeup bag or wrist bag.

In every way, Janet plans on using her business to benefit others. She works with charities and donates her time to mission work. “My business is a gift from God. The support I received from the people in my life had a huge positive impact on me, and I want to give that same positive impact to others,” she says. She desires to support other women who are struggling to be all that they can be for themselves and their families. “Encouragement is something we all need, no matter where we are in life or what we believe.” This desire is reflected in the symbol for her company, which is the water lily. She explains, “The water lily struggles through murky waters to bloom above the surface. Not only does it bloom, but it’s strong and beautiful. Women can be that way, especially when we support and encourage each other. I’m living proof.”