MY STORY
Hi! I'm Kelli Diane, and this is my story...
Believe it or not, I wasn't always a handbag lover. When I was little, my mom would always try to get me to carry a purse, and I wanted absolutely nothing to do with one. I never imagined that one day I would design my own handbag collection.
Everything changed when I was around 21 years old. One of my best friends loved handbags, and before I knew it, I was hooked. Almost every weekend I found myself wandering through Downtown Los Angeles searching for my next favorite bag.
My collection grew so quickly that my mom finally told me I wasn't allowed to bring another purse into the house. Of course...I didn't listen! I started hiding the bags I bought so my parents wouldn't realize I'd come home with another one. As a college student, I couldn't afford designer handbags, so buying three purses for $10 felt like hitting the jackpot. While those bags didn't last very long, they sparked something much bigger. I realized how much I loved handbags and how they could express personality, style, and confidence. Birthdays and Christmas quickly became "purse holidays" because everyone knew exactly what to buy me. I also became known for giving handbags as gifts to friends and family.
Then one day, a simple thought crossed my mind. Why not design my own handbags?
Why not create something people would love to carry and proudly give as gifts? That idea stayed in my heart for nearly two years before I finally decided to take the leap.
I began sketching designs, writing down measurements, researching materials, and dreaming about what Kelli Diane Designs could become. I even designed the original concept for my logo before reaching out to a childhood friend to help bring it to life.
As exciting as it was, I was also terrified. I remember asking God for a sign that I was making the right decision. Less than a minute later, the notification light on my phone came on. A family friend had sent me a quote that I had never seen before.
"Many of us are afraid to follow our passions, to pursue what we want most because it means taking risks and even facing failure. But to pursue your passion with all your heart and soul is success in itself. The greatest failure is to have never really tried."-Robyn Allan
The moment I read those words, chills ran down my arm. I knew. That was the sign I had prayed for. From that moment on, there was no turning back. Without taking a single design class, I taught myself the process. I sketched every handbag, created measurements, selected materials, and searched for the right manufacturer to help bring my vision to life.
Today, Kelli Diane Designs has grown into more than I ever imagined. What started as a dream and a sketchbook has become a brand that has been featured at Los Angeles Fashion Week and continues to reach customers who believe in style, quality, and purpose.
Along the way, I've also had the privilege of giving back to my community, something that has always been close to my heart. My hope is that as Kelli Diane Designs continues to grow, so will my ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Kelli Diane Designs is about more than handbags. It's about believing in yourself, taking chances, embracing creativity, and having the courage to pursue your dreams, even when they seem impossible. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that dreams don't become reality because someone else believes in them. They become reality because you believe in yourself and choose to keep going.
Thank you for being part of my journey. Whether you've purchased a handbag, shared my story, encouraged me along the way, or simply stopped by to learn more, your support means more than you'll ever know.
With gratitude,
Kelli Diane