We were lucky to catch up with Debra Cass Szidon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Debra Cass, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

The inspiration for The Cass Clutch started with a bag I picked up in a vintage shop many, many years ago. I’d never been much of a purse person, but when I picked up that bag, I felt a connection. It suited my needs professionally as an interior designer and practically as a mother of 3. It had capacity to carry my laptop, client folders and kid snacks while looking professional and cool. I started carrying it regularly, I just felt … good, right, like myself. People always commented, despite the patina, on how much they liked it. The more people commented on how much they liked it the more I thought I should figure out how to share the bag with more people perhaps with some modern updates.

After looking into the origin, I found out the bag was almost 50 years old from a European company no longer in existence. I was intrigued about what it would take to design a bag in a similar style. So, I hired a purse consultant who taught me about leather, pattern making and sourcing. For me, a great bag should make your life easier. So, I designed the bag to work even better for me and my life:

It took 3 years of putting myself out there, meeting people, asking questions, being disappointed, unsure, angry and then delighted to finally get the courage to bring it to market. They were pivotal moments that directed me in ways I never imaged, like figuring out what to name the company, losing what I thought was my only manufacturing lead, to finding the perfect one, to promoting myself/the line till it hurt, to building a brand that people now recognize and appreciate.

A line of luxury leather accessories 100% Californian in design, artisanship, and attitude. The handbags are rugged and refined. Glamorous and gritty. Structured and sensuous.

Debra Cass, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello, I’m Debra Szidon, I’m an interiors and handbag designer. My education is in horticulture, but design is my passion. By combining an East Coast aesthetic with a West Coast vibe, I create spaces, leather accessories and botanical compositions that are both free spirited and refined. Spaces that are curated not decorated. Bags that are built to last and meant to be used.

I never imaged I would design a product, but I knew it was right when I felt a strong personal connection to the idea, process, and the name, Cass.

Raised on the East Coast, I spent my formative years hanging out in New York City, and in my father’s auto body shop, where he restored classic cars. Re-designing an older handbag reminded me of the work my father did so calling it Cass is a way of honoring him, his talent and hard work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Financial success is my goal and I’m not afraid nor ashamed to say so.

Growing up I understood my dad was a business owner/entrepreneur, but it wasn’t until I started the process of designing goods did, I realize he was a creative and we shared many of the same struggles as valuing our own work, really understanding money and business, and how/when to ask for help. As an auto body mechanic, he renovated and redesigned classic cars. My sisters and I grew up in his shops sweeping floors, washing cars, and watching him create beautiful work. He was hardworking, honest, super smart, kind and generous with his time. He always had new and returning clients, but consistent profitability was always a challenge.

I have his entrepreneurial spirit and creative drive; my goal is to combine it with a true understanding of how a business is run and to make money.
I want to prove it to myself, my family and other creatives that being creative can be successful, financially.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Authenticity. Being consistent and true the story behind Cass. Reiterating the quality of the product, the elevated aesthetic and communicating with clients on a personal level. I also think early decisions to source locally, work with other women-owned/led businesses and to make products in California also contributed to the company’s resilience and the brand’s appeal among professional and empowered women.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thecassclutch.com
• Instagram: @thecassclutch
• Linkedin: Debra Szidon
• Other: www.cocoonhome.com

Image Credits
Chris Andre : Photographer Debra Szidon: Photographer