Today we’d like to introduce you to Kema Maxwell
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Karen E. Maxwell A. (KEMA)
I was born in Panama, Rep. of Panama, and was surrounded by the rich tradition of sewing, thanks to a family of seamstresses and tailors. At the age of 9, I moved to the U.S. and settled in Brooklyn, NY—shout out to Franklin Ave! I attended Isaac Bildersee Junior High School in Canarsie, where one of my home economics classes was sewing, taught by my favorite teacher, Ms. Cook. Despite having sewing in my DNA, it was Ms. Cook who helped me realize my talent and the pure joy I found in the craft.
I went on to attend Fashion Industries High School, graduating with a diploma in Fashion Design and Merchandising. However, life, with its fastballs, curveballs, marriage, and kids, caused me to lose touch with my love for sewing. It wasn’t until the birth of my first child that I rediscovered my passion for sewing and cooking/baking. As my body changed, I returned to sewing, making and altering my own clothing, which soon extended to helping others.
What started as a hobby eventually turned into a business. Yet, I found that sewing clothing, with all the back-and-forth that came with it, no longer brought me joy. Instead, I discovered a new love—sewing bags. While I still dip my toes in the alteration pool now and then, my heart remains devoted to the art of bag making.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Owning a bag-making business comes with its fair share of challenges and obstacles. One of the biggest hurdles is not knowing what you don’t know. The journey is filled with unexpected twists, where the learning curve can feel steep, and the unknowns seem endless. Ironically, the very thing you’re good at—whether it’s the creative design process or the actual sewing—often becomes the task you do the least. Instead, your time gets consumed by the myriad responsibilities that come with running a business, from managing finances to marketing and everything in between.
Sleep becomes a distant fantasy as you find yourself wearing every single hat and sock in the business, juggling roles that range from CEO to customer service, designer to delivery person. The demands can be overwhelming, but they also push you to grow, adapt, and persevere in the face of these challenges.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When asked what I specialize in, I’m proud to say that I create unique bespoke bags designed to make the wearer the spotlight in every room they enter. My proudest moments include seeing two of my bags featured on the long-running soap opera “General Hospital” and knowing that one of my creations is owned by the legendary sports icon Jackie Joyner-Kersee. What sets me apart from others in the industry is the distinctive blend of natural materials I use, such as wood and leather, to craft bags that are not just accessories but statements of individuality and style.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as understanding the “why” behind the goals you set for yourself. It’s not just about achieving milestones or reaching a certain level of recognition; it’s about being deeply connected to the purpose and motivation that drive you forward. When you know your “why,” every step you take, every challenge you overcome, and every success you achieve has a clear and meaningful purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopkema.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shopkema_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopKema/
Image Credits
Shaleem Love Photography
M.A.P. Graphics (photo of young girl with floral bag)