“When we started out, we thought we were going to start a Home Décor business.”
That’s what Kathy and Bubba Southern were thinking when Kathy retired in 2004. Thankfully, Kathy and Bubba decided to go down a different path: creating a home-based, handbag pattern studio/business known as StudioKat Designs.
After working 30 years doing lab work for a sewage plant in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Kathy was looking for something different to do in retirement; something she could really enjoy and something she could do staying in her pajamas! “I have had a lifelong obsession with handbags and I knew what I liked,” remarked Kathy. “I found I could fill a niche that other people hadn’t been able to do: cater to people who want a real good alternative to an expensive bag.”
StudioKat Designs enjoys their online presence. In addition to their web site, they have a large following with their Facebook and Instagram accounts. On their web site, they sell handbag patterns as well as zippers and notions because they had a hard time finding good bag notions. Kathy says, “It was the best thing we did.”
What is their biggest seller? Their purse insert line. They began offering this pattern in 2007. Why does Kathy think it is so popular? “It’s a great way to organize ‘stuff’ and can be transferred between handbags.” 
Road 2015 was StudioKat Designs first time as a vendor. In fact, it was Bubba’s first time in California!!! Kathy and Bubba said they were “excited” to be at Road to California. “We don’t do many shows. We had a great time, met a lot of friends, and loved the weather!! 
Wouldn’t one of StudioKat Designs be great for Road to California’s Bag and Purse Challenge?
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