When people visit my booth at shows—Living The Dream in Bluffton—they often ask how I got started making handcrafted leather bags, especially concealed carry handbags. The truth is, it wasn’t part of some long-term business plan. It began during one of the hardest times in my life, and it became not just a business, but a lifeline and a love story.
I retired from local government and moved to Bluffton, Texas, in the heart of the beautiful Hill Country. It’s a peaceful place with wide skies, winding roads, and a sense of quiet that you can feel in your bones. I came here with my late husband, and we were hoping to enjoy retirement together. But in 2019, everything changed—he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
During those long, difficult days of caretaking, I found myself in need of something that could take my mind elsewhere, even for a few hours. I’ve always loved working with my hands, and I began experimenting with leather—just small pieces at first. Something about the process—the smell of the hide, the precision of the cuts, the shaping and stitching—became deeply healing. I didn’t know it then, but I was beginning to carve out a new chapter for myself.
It was my husband who first said, “You should do something with this.” He saw the spark in me that I couldn’t quite see yet. And together, we came up with the name Living The Dream in Bluffton. At the time, it felt almost too hopeful—but he insisted. He believed that even through heartbreak, beauty could grow.
My first bags were simple, but made with care. As I got better, I started designing handbags that blended rugged craftsmanship with timeless style—each one unique, just like the people who carry them. Then came the idea for concealed carry handbags: beautiful, handcrafted bags designed with safety and practicality in mind. As a woman, I understood the need for something functional that didn’t sacrifice femininity or style. My concealed carry line has since become one of my most requested offerings.
Every bag I make tells a story—of resilience, artistry, and passion. And every time someone carries one, I hope they feel not only the quality of the work, but also the heart behind it.
Today, Living The Dream in Bluffton operates by appointment only, giving me time to focus on each piece I create. I still draw strength from the memory of my late husband and the dream we named together. And every time I sit down at my sewing machine, I am reminded that something beautiful can grow from even the darkest seasons of life.
But my story doesn’t end there.
In time, life brought me another unexpected gift—love again. I’ve remarried, and I’m blessed to have a very supportive husband who now helps me keep this dream alive. He’s by my side at shows, in the studio, and in every step of this journey. Together, we continue to grow Living The Dream in Bluffton with love, dedication, and a shared belief in creating something meaningful.
Whether you’re carrying one of my concealed carry bags or a classic handcrafted tote, know this: it was made with purpose. Made by hand. Made with love.
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