Who We Are test

Gretchen

Previously a successful interior designer on the stylish mainline of Philadelphia, Gretchen believes her background in luxury design makes her especially sensitive to the discerning women who will be carrying our handbags-how a statement gold chain lays beautifully on a handbag that is resting next to her for instance.  “My design background means I think of the woman and her lifestyle first” 

She believes a customer comprehending the backstory is integral, one must understand the story of the brand and the heritage.  

Gretchen is amazed by how the brand has crept into the hearts of collectors.  Her focus is on exceptional craftsmanship and extraordinary artistry, the rest will follow. 

Kathy

As the Product Design Specialist at BSWANKY, I have the opportunity to enhance my knowledge, skills and attitude, also to explore my expertise. BSWANKY offers me a stable and positive atmosphere and inspired me to enhance, and therefore to work. There is a culture for betterment of all parties concerned. My favorite thing about my job is the opportunity to work alongside my colleagues, who are always super motivated and inspire me. The Tote bag is my favorite. I have a lot of preference for this model because I was involved in designing it and worked hard to make it perfect, which made me feel proud of my job.

Carlos


I am proud to be known as an internationally acclaimed Cultural Change Expert, Intrapreneurial Leader and Executive, Business and Life Coach. I have had the privilege to work with a variety of small, medium and large organizations. As a global “thought leader” and Dialogue Based Learning (DBL) Innovator, I have worked with a myriad of companies throughout North America, Latin America, The United Kingdom and the Caribbean, both within the private and public sectors as well as non profits and government agencies in the following industries: Commercial Air Travel, Architectural firms, Investment Banking, Insurance, Manufacturing and Distribution, Telecommunications, Real Estate Brokerage firms, Law firms and Non Profit Organizations, to name a few. As a tenured coach, I earned an “Expert Master Coach” status through my variety of experiences working with people and organizations around the globe. I am from the “original” group of Business Coaches that existed when coaching was just a luxury.  Finally, it came to be recognized as a valuable profession and service by business communities around the world.

I am a graduate of the New School for Social Research in New York City, I have dedicated the majority of my career to helping organizations, individuals, corporate executives and high performance teams to achieve unprecedented results and successes. I have been honored to receive numerous awards, certifications and leadership accolades in Personal Development, Leadership Innovation and Business Coaching from world renowned Institutions and training organizations.

Gretchen and I have known each other over seven years, and she is like a sister to me. It has been my privilege to be her coach both personally and professionally!  I am excited to be a Founding Member of BSWANKY, and look forward to it’s amazing future!

Natasha

I learned about BSWANKY from a friend. I've been here for 2.5 years. We have a great team now.  We are in constant development. Together we find solutions to tasks and rejoice at the results achieved. We are inspired when our customers are satisfied.  Not only do we work together, we have dinners together and we just hang out and enjoy a great meal too. BSWANKY is very different from my previous places of work, in that it is not just "money is made" here, it is a company with a philosophy of friendly attitude towards people, both about employees, customers, and everyone who comes here.

We have the opportunity to realize our talents here. I take great pleasure in every job well done. For me, the best bag is the one that is impeccably made. I am grateful for this time and place, grateful to Gretchen for her attitude towards us (as many “thanks” as I heard during my work here, I probably have not heard in my entire previous life), meetings in the morning with joy and hugs, gifts (bags, gift certificates to restaurants and shops) I am grateful for those who working here, and I wish prosperity to BSWANKY, our clients, and all people!

Felicia

I graduated with a fashion degree in merchandising and have interned at New York fashion week, alongside that my absolute true passion is making every women feel beautiful! 

BSWANKY is the definition of making a difference. Gretchen’s passion behind her band shines through with every single detail. I know I can bring my passion for women and make a difference in their life one handbag at a time! 

What really made the difference for me when joining BSWANKY ambassador program was the purpose behind the brand, the inviting work environment, and confidence that BSWANKY bags will bring to women! Today, women are so hard on themselves and if I can help women feel their absolutely best, I’m in!! 

I’m thrilled about being apart of this dynamic company that stands for being the difference & helping women along the way! 

"BTheDifference and empower women by supporting fair labour, equal pay, and proper manufacturing with BSWANKY."

Tiffany

A Native of Florida, my family and I settled into the Lakewood Ranch area 5 years ago and fell in love with the opportunities Sarasota has to offer, Golf, Sun, and Surf. My passions are empowering women and giving back through philanthropy.

I first learned about BSWANKY at a Designing Daughters event a few years ago. Gretchen and her team designed the most beautiful Red Bag as an auction item. After getting outbid that night I remember saying to myself “I will own a BSWANKY one day.” I am a big believer in manifesting and working towards having what you want in this world. As BSWANKY started becoming a staple in Sarasota our paths continued to cross, there are no coincidences in this life, people come into your world for a reason.

Fast forward to this past year Gretchen reached out to me about becoming a Brand Ambassador for BSWANKY, I was humbled and honored to be a part of a brand that is making a difference by improving the lives of women in the industry.

In continuing to grow and evolve with the BSWANKY brand I am now proud to be working alongside these amazing women who proudly are making these bags right here in Sarasota. Let us connect and make your “Biggest Dream Bag” a possibility, the sky’s the limit with the BSWANKY brand. “Buy the bag girl, it will change your world.”  B the Difference and make your mark!

Rhonda

I moved from Ohio to Florida in 2014 to make a better life for me and my son. I met Gretchen through a previous colleague in 2017 after the company we worked for closed its doors and left everyone without a job. I was informed that Gretchen empowers women and helps them connect to people/places where they are meant to be.  I found that to be such a truthful statement! She is definitely one of a kind and cares about being the difference in the lives of so many. It didn’t matter that we were so opposite. She saw something in me that pushed me to be a better person and harder worker. Never say you “can’t” in front of her! She will show you that you CAN. 

I am a single mother to one awesome boy, Gabriel, and a foster mother to 5 more wonderful children. BSWANKY has instilled in me the true meaning of Being the Difference. 

Alexa

I began at BSWANKY as a marketing intern and quickly joined the team directing graphics, social media, and web content. Although born and raised in Florida, I am finishing my university degree in French Language and Literature and am headed into a Master's in French as well in North Carolina. I love that BSWANKY allows me to apply my varied skillset in writing and research to achieve excellence in fashion branding. Being part of the BSWANKY team is to me being part of a community that elevates women, helping them realize their skills and passions.

Crissy

Residing in CT I thought, “How can I help bring BSWANKY to the women of the northeast!”

By living and loving the brand I have helped pique the interest of Boutiques in NY and CT as well as the women who shop in them.  I get stopped and asked about my BSWANKY bags all of the time. 

I used my creative skills to help establish the social media presence and continuously work on emending and checking current posts. 

Connecting women and empowering them to feel and look their best is my prowess.

Mike

I was born and raised in the Washington DC area. After graduating with economics and business degrees from the University of Maryland in 1986 I entered into the office automation field as a sales representative eventually working my way up to management then as an independent owner through 2019. My primary focus at BSWANKY is helping to manage finance, administration and control, IT, marketing, legal affairs, compliance and risk. I'm very proud of the work we do here and even more proud of each and every team member.