Local handbag designer Jenna Kator brings the heart of Michigan cities to her fantastic designs.

Troy native Jenna Kator is taking the fashion world by storm with her collection of vegetarian leather handbags inspired by the state she calls homes.

The bags, which take their inspiration and boast monikers from cities around the Great Lakes State are fashionable, affordable and fun. Kator started her line as a way to give Michigan women an outlet to purchase affordable handbags and accessories that are fashion forward. "I found that it is much easier to accessorize an outfit when times are a little tougher than to purchase a whole new one.

Kator chose to focus her collection around Michigan because of how important the area is to her. " Michigan cities have so many natural offerings and  I couldn't help but be inpsired based on my surroundings," she said.

With explicit detail and thought she created each of the bags in her current collection to reflect on the city for which it's named. "For example, the City of Troy is known as 'The City of Tomorrow Today" and that inspired me to create a fashion-forward design that upholds just that," said Kator.

A Michigan State University grad, Kator began her career in the advertising world before becoming an entrepreneur. She said that she made a conscious decision to base her business here in her home state. "The State of Michigan is everything I stand for and everything I want my company to be known for. Michigan is so unique and the residents here are proud, hard working people that encompass extraordinary values!" she said.

When asked what she would say to a fellow Michigander looking to launch a business here she said, " As Nike says, 'Just Do It!' Michigan is a very supportive state... I have had only wonderful experiences with the communities, residents and local Michigan vendors. Anything is possible for those who have determination, perseverance and a vision."

Since launching the line 9 months ago Kator's bags have been featured everywhere from CNN Money to Crain's Detroit Business and Hour Detroit. Kator was also one of 12 designers chosen to be featured at this year's Detroit Fashion Week.

Kator has launched a successful home party business to showcase her bags and plans to take the brand national.

Looking to pick up a Jenna Kator bag of your own? Visit www.jennakator.com to find your favorite or book a party today.

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