Hot Handbags for Michigan and Beyond

In 2008 when the economy began to take a different route than America had hoped for, Jenna Kator was one of the many who unfortunately lost their job. But the young, seasoned advertiser used her resources, knowledge, determination and creativity to rise above the economic slump.

As Kator drove away from the offices of PHD, a media outlet of the advertising firm BBDO, she spotted a billboard that sparked her interest. It called for Michiganders to support local businesses. This then reminded her of what she had recently learned at the time – there was a high demand for affordable accessories under $100. Kator used this information wisely and three weeks later, the Jenna Kator Collection was born!

The Jenna Kator Collection is a line of truly chic and affordable handbags. Each piece in the Jenna Kator collection is named after a city in Michigan. Kator loves her home state and is doing her part to support. She even has a goal of having one of her bags featured in a Michigan-based film in the future.

When Kator realized her next move was to design, create and distribute quality handbags, she decided that each handbag would pay homage to Michigan and the legacy of her fashion-forward mother. “She’s my driving force behind what I’m doing,” Kator said.

The collection started off as an LLC and since its debut in 2009 it is sold in several stores in Michigan as well as stores across the country.

The Jenna Kator Collection showroom located in Royal Oak is a cute store-front boutique, cleverly displaying the handbags and unique literature to go along with each bag. The tables used to display some of the bags were once doors, symbolizing Kator’s job loss but quick turnaround time to success. “When one door closes, another door opens,” she said.

Three collections have been featured by Kator since its opening one year ago. Kator reached out to the public for help in deciding what to name the bags in collection number two. Contestants were asked to name their favorite Michigan city and why.  The names of each bag are given to reflect the make-up of a city or town in Michigan. For example, “The Old Town handbag’s patch work is symbolic of the many pieces it takes to create a tight-knit community that is supportive and full of the many people who have invested everything in making it the great place it is,” noted a contestant winner. Old Town is the original downtown of Lansing and this bag is a small clutch-like selection with impeccable patch work, topped off with a silver Jenna Kator logo piece.

Kator is currently working on the Fall/Winter 2012 collection. She says this one will be all about Detroit and all the city has to offer.  She is also working with Handbags of Hope, which is a nonprofit organization that supplies victims of domestic violence with gently used handbags filled with feminine necessities like lotions and manicure kits.

The Jenna Kator collection is the work of Jenna Kator herself with a little bit of help from her loving husband, spunky father and a company in Hong Kong that assists her with fabric and styling choices. As Kator works hard to supply Michigan fashionistas with something stylish and sassy for their arms, the Jenna Kator Collection is the epitome of what Michigan needs to help restore itself fully. Her handbag collection is brilliant and practical with pieces that can fit any women’s style.

For more on the Jenna Kator Collection, visit the website, Facebook page, Twitter page or even look for Kator being featured as the spotlight designer in the next issue of Styleline Magazine. 

Pieces from The Jenna Kator Collection can be purchased at several locations and the Royal Oak showroom is open by appointment only.

Photo Credit:  Forever Young Photography