The Jessica Bishop Story

Photo provided by Sara Celine Photography

As a successful buyer for stores like Neiman Marcus, Carson Pirie Scott and Kohl's, Terri Bittner had a knack for knowing what consumers want.

And when she became a mom several years ago, she suddenly discovered a void in the marketplace. It was a real drag having to carry a handbag, diaper bag and business tote as she managed her many roles.

"When my daughter was a couple of years old, I couldn't find a bag that met all my requirements and I thought I could come up with a better design," recalls Terri, who lives in Neenah, Wis.

So she did just that. Using her experience in retail, her eye for trends and her background in textiles, Terri designed a line of multi-purpose bags for the multi-tasking woman. Her daughter, Jessica, served as the namesake. Finally, a bag to help you keep it all together while not compromising your sense of style.

In the fall of 2006, Terri launched the Jessica Bishop line of bags at the American Baby Fair tradeshow in Chicago. The signature personal and backpack-messenger bags are made of silk-blend jacquard fabrics in stylish designs and retail roughly from $59 to $119.

"Years ago, women bought a personal or diaper bag for a very functional use and then had to buy their fun, fashionable bags separately," she says. "The Jessica Bishop line combines versatile functionality with high quality fashion so women don't have to compromise fashion for function anymore."

Terri's inaugural line of bags, which include six styles, are as versatile as today's women - they do it all and are the perfect business bag, personal bag or even diaper bag. To keep the designs fresh for customers, selected silk fabrics will be treated like limited editions.

"I've got a great product in a growing industry," Terri says. "I'm optimistic that consumers and buyers will recognize innovation when they see it."