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15-Year-Old Maggie Kervick Has Got It All In The Bag
By Maggie Kervick: Last winter, I started my own hand-bag business. I started by making bags out of old T-shirts by hand-sewing them together. That would take me three days. I got a sewing machine for Christmas last year. My mom kind of knew how to use it and I just kind of taught myself. It got a lot quicker. I sold more than 35 bags and made enough money so that I did not have to work during the summer. This past summer I decided to take a course in accessory design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan (where I dream of going after graduating high school). I had an absolutely remarkable experience. I learned new techniques on how to make bags, perfect my bags, and make them look more professional. I learned so much and met some incredibly talented people. It truly was a mind-blowing experience. The past couple of months I decided to take what I learned and use it. First, I came up with a name for my business. I considered names such as Baggys by Maggie and MK bags. Finally I decided to call my business Bags By Mags.
My cousin used to own a factory in Asbury Park. It closed down 20 years ago, but he still kept all of his fabric, machines, etc. When he heard of my interest in the business he offered to give me all the extra fabric. I created a book of fabric swatches. i showed it around school and had people create their own bag. It was a huge hit and so far I have sold about 17 bags. I mostly sell wristlets ($13) and shoulder bags ($20).
I am a perfectionist, so I get upset with myself when I feel a bag could be done better. I have such a passion for the handbags I make. Nothing is more rewarding than when you feel frustrated with how a bag comes out and the person who buys the bag gets so very excited and can’t believe how good the bag is. Last month, I had my first big event showing my bags at my friend’s mother’s “pocket party.” Making a person happy is what motivates me. Making bags inspires me to consider what possibilities lay ahead for me. Being able to take my talent and make a business out of it – is extraordinary.
Maggie Kervick, 15, of Wayside is a sophomore at Ocean Township High School. People interested in ordering a one-of-a-kind bag from Bags By Mags may e-mail her at beirnesgal51@aol.com. To arrange an appointment include your name and telephone number.