Crystalyn Kae Interview & Giveaway

A colorful Crystalyn Kae bag draped on the shoulder of a woman about town is the mark of a sophisticated urbanite. Her line of hobos, clutches, totes and more are not only chic but durable too! Crystalyn got her start making her very first bag back in the 7th grade. She earned her BA in Apparel Merchandising while interning at Liberty of London. She began selling her own designs at the Pike Place Market in 2001. She now sells online, through stores across the country and has been featured in In Style magazine, Cool Mom Picks and Treehugger. I even spotted her work in the movie "World's Greatest Dad".

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
CK: I get such a 'high' out of meeting my customers. I only do one or two events a year, so I look forward to the interaction and feedback that I get from my customers!

UCU: What sets your company apart from others who offer similar products?
CK: My specialty is making stylish bags that are functional & durable enough to be worn everyday for years. I enjoy the challenge of making style functional.

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
CK: I love working with new materials to create something beautiful that also solves a need in a person's life.

Thanks Crystalyn! Also thanks for giving us this awesome messenger bag to give away to one lucky reader. Leave a comment below to be eligible. We will select one winner at random and announce this Friday.

Crystalyn Kae Accessories - distinctively smart handbags

UCU- What is your business and when did it form?

Crystalyn Kae - I've been in business 8 years. . (since 2001)! I make purses, totes, clutches & laptop bags. I create all of my own original patterns, scout out awesome fabrics and leathers, sew the bags, and sell them on my website and to stores around the US.

UCU- If you could have a super power what would it be?

time travel - there are so many artists, authors, designers, and ancestors that I would love to meet!

UCU- Favorite holiday memory?

When I was little, each Christmas Santa would ring the doorbell and deliver our presents. Eventually, I got wise to the fact that it was our Dad under the costume. So my parents pulled an awesome trick the next year: Christmas Day when the doorbell rang, Dad opened the door and the 'Real' Santa was standing there! He had a real beard and a big Red Sack filled with handmade Lincoln logs for us. We were so in awe! (It took me at least another year to figure out it was actually one of my dad's co-workers under the suit.)

UCU- Will you have a special $5 item for UCU's anniversary?

Yes, I have made a small batch of keyrings especially for the occasion! Plus my clutches will be $50 each (instead of $75)

UCU- Got any new items you will be showcasing at the show?
Yes! I have just completed a smaller version of a *certain* popular bag of mine as part of my Spring 2010 collection. I will offer a sneak preview for the very first time at UCU.

Crystalyn Kae Accessories!

Interview with Crystalyn Kae. Check out Crystalyn Kae's fabulous handbags this weekend at our summer show!


Also, check out the preview for the upcoming Robin Williams movie featuring two of Crystalyns bags!









UCU- How did you get started with your craft?

CK-I learned how to sew when I was very young, and made my first bag when I was 12. I earned my degree in Apparel Design & Textiles and worked in the industry for a few years. I started my own business in 2001 with a booth at the Pike Place Market, and began to sell my bags to stores around the country, and on my website: www.crystalynkae.com I think what makes my bags different, is that I put such an importance on functionality and durability first. Then I try to translate that into a bag that is modern, distinctive and a bit sexy.








UCU-Are there specific ways you plan ahead for a show of this size?

CK-Lots of sewing! I do my best to have a very broad selection of my core designs, and a few sneak peeks at new bags that I am working on. I really enjoy the personal interaction with customers and helping women choose the perfect bag that they'll want to use everyday.







UCU- Are there any new items we will see at this summer’s show?

CK-I will be bringing a few sneak peeks of a few fall bags that I am working on, as well as new twists on my classic laptop totes, messenger bags and embellished hobos in a variety of new materials.










UCU-Any vendors you look forward to seeing?

CK-I am most excited to see:

*Dotted Line Jewels - Annie makes the most amazing dramatic
earrings that literally 'make' your outfit and a bubbling
enthusiasm for what she does

* Sydney Designs - I have been a fan of Kristen's vintage wallpaper
designs for ages and I admire how prolific she is. Nearly every
room in my house has a piece of her work in it!

* Glam Garb by Gunlis - I love Gunlis' collection of hand-dyed
slips and camisoles. She has a fantastic talent to help you choose
for the piece that will flatter your body and skin color. Plus, I
am delighted that my booth will be next to Gunlis: she is truly a
joy to be around!