We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karen (Kema) Maxwell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karen (Kema), thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Our mission is to elevate your everyday experiences by providing you with meticulously handcrafted, unique bags that not only reflect your individual style but also tell a story of craftsmanship and creativity that guarantees the user to “stand out”

Imagine being in a room with everyone that has the same or similar bag. Your favorite song comes on and everyone gets up to dance. If I came along and played musical chairs with those bags and asked you to leave the dance floor and go get your bag, would you pick up the right one (without identifiers like keychains or gibbits). I am going to assume that half of the guest would pick up the wrong bag.

You will NEVER have this issue with a Kema bag. My bags are like the users of my bags, they were made to stand out. Not fit in.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi my name is Karen (Kema) Maxwell, the powerhouse behind Kema’s Kreations. Born in the country of Panama, I grew up learning sewing skills and techniques from my mother. I have since become a very accomplished seamstress in my own right AND a self-proclaimed fabric magician. Despite creating and sewing my own clothes, My main passion is to create bags using mediums such as wood, leather and fabric. Thus, the creation of my company Kema’s was born. Kema’s specializes in manufacturing bespoke fashion bags from raw material to end product. The custom nature of these high-quality pieces allow clients to express both their style and individuality. Kema’s mission is to provide handmade, fashionable bags that allows my customers to stand out and dominate the conversation in every space they occupy. Kema’s has been in operation since 2016 and we have had the pleasure of our bags being worn by influential women that have been successful in their fields.
Two of our bags were featured on one of daytimes longest running soap operas- “General Hospital” by Actress Vernee Watson-Johnson best known for her role as Will Smith’s mother in ” The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”. Kema’s was chosen by Key Bank’s “Key for Women” organization to create and present a custom bag to former Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Kema’s bags have also walked the runway at the Harlem Fashion show in Harlem, NY. Kema’s is an up and coming brand guaranteed to make an impact on the fashion community.
In the words of our founder:
“You are not meant to fit in! Allow Kema’s to help you stand out”

Have you ever had to pivot?

When the pandemic hit I had to pivot my business to assist with making masks

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn all the things I thought I knew about running a business. Most individuals who go from hobbyist to entrepreneurship learn hard lessons of all things you DON’T know about running a business. Most hobbyist are good at their craft and have to work harder at the business aspect.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopkema.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kema_kreations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/settings/?tab=profile

Image Credits
MAP Graphics