Custom handbag company expands to Lisle
Mary Ellen Middleton and her daughter expanded their home-based custom handbag manufacturing company to a location in Lisle.
Oney Designs now operates at 5403 Patton Drive, Suite 216, where the mother-daughter team have a showroom and more space after operating in Middleton's basement and living room.
The business, that started seven years ago, marries two hot trends in fashion - handbags and customization. Customers pick the style, material, inside lining, additional pockets and strap length to design a one-of-a-kind handbag, said Middleton, who operates the business with daughter, Erin Allen.
The purses, which can also be created online, are available in 23 different styles and more than 70 fabrics. The bags range in price from $16 to $150. Cosmetic bags, computer laptop bags and diaper bags are also available.
"Women have so many options. A handbag is such a personal item," Middleton said.
The bags are handcrafted and made from quality decorator fabrics, she explained. Seamstresses in the Chicago area custom cut out the bags.
"We rejoice in being in Chicago," Middleton said. To show their appreciation, each handbag style is named after a Chicago Street. The Addison bag is the most popular for everyday use, the owners say. Damen, Diversey, Sheffield and Webster are other bag names.
The owners sell the custom handbags online at oneybags.com, at home parties, by phone and by appointment at their studio. The women have nearly 20 consultants working for them selling the bags at home parties as well.
The idea for the business developed when Middleton made each of her five sisters a bag when they were all going on a weekend trip together. People continued to come up to them to ask where they purchased the bags.
The Naperville woman, who was one of eight children growing up, said her father was an entrepreneur in the moving industry. "He'd say, 'Be your own boss,'" said Middleton, who worked as a children's librarian at the library in Naperville before launching the business with her daughter. Her daughter, 30, lives in Wheaton and has a background in interior design.
Middleton added that her daughter caters to a different demographic than she is, a helpful aspect that has lead to the growth in the business.
Middleton started sewing when she was a teenager. "My grandma taught me," she said. She then made everything from her own prom dress to her little sister's first communion dress. "Now I love to quilt - when I have time," she said.
She added that their customers enjoy that the bag they design is unique and exactly how they want it. Everything is customized, from the strap length to the size of the pockets, she said.
For more information, call (630) 355-5620.