HELPING HORSES IN NEED, ONE DESIGNER BAG AT A TIME

I cannot recall a time during my earliest years when horses weren't a major part of my life. At five, a Shetland pony named Foxy Lady entered my life.  That moment forever changed me. The feeling of freedom, foundation and intense love that I gained with her and all the other horses since weaved themselves into my being, creating an unshakeable bond. 

Throughout my childhood and high school years my passion for horses grew. By age eighteen I had horses of all shapes and sizes and entrusted my growing pains to their sympathetic, non-judgmental ears.

Upon graduation from high school I decided to take a career that would hopefully carry me as far in the world as my horses had carried my life force and spirit until then. Excited about my future I eagerly went to study at UCLA and then off to law school at USC. It was after my third year of law practice that I had finally slowed down enough to listen to what my internal guide was telling me.  I was not happy -- practicing litigation and working all hours of the day and night left me feeling exhausted and wondering what was the purpose of it all.  I acknowledged to myself, painfully, that I had placed my career ladder against the wrong wall and was climbing to places I no longer cared to reach.

I made the difficult decision to leave practice for the unknown.  This was truly a turning point in my life.  It became clear to me that something else was missing, my horse.  I hadn't had one since I left home for college and I so wanted to enjoy one again.  My wonderful husband, without knowing anything about horses, agreed to get me one. 

The years that followed and the time I spent with my horse helped me to rediscover who I truly am.  I reaquainted myself with my sewing machine, which, even though I grew up sewing, I hadn't touched since I was 18. I found that place of quiet solitude that I loved as a kid and began to make design after design.  My true north appeared.

It was during a trip to Wyoming in search of unique and hard to find materials for a custom handbag that I realized I was not happy selling my bags for the sole purpose of making money; I wanted to give back to the animal that inspired me.  From that moment forward I made the decision that every bag I create gives back to the majestical creature I love, the horse.

Of course, when it came time to brand my handbags including horses in the company name was an absolute must. EPONA is the Greek Goddess of horses and travel.  She has definitely guided me along this journey. 

Today, I live in Southern California with my husband, Ryan; our two dogs, Otis and Louie; and our two horses Mr. Darcy and the beautiful Miss Brillante (shown above).  I will forever be indebted to my parents for making the decision to buy me that first pony and my husband for giving me back my love.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Julie

CUSTOM-DESIGNED BAGS FOR THE GODDESS IN YOU

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