Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy James II.

Tracy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey around the age of 10 with my grandmother, sewing machine, making drawstring backpacks out of clothing that are no longer wore. About 11 years later, while looking for the perfect backpack, I decided to return to where I started and designed my own backpack. A few people saw the backpack I made and wanted one of their own. After creating a few backpacks and getting them in the right hands, I started doing fashion shows, and soon after ended up in publications Which led to an influx of clients. Now almost 9 years later I am still creating high in leather bags for people all over the world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It is not been a smooth road, but life as an entrepreneur and creative has it up and down. There’s always going to be those times when you’re thriving and those times for rest. There’s always something to learn each day! Some of the struggles along the way we’re related to voice and finding my target audience, I’m still holding true to my values

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
size specialize in bespoke leather goods. Each bag that I made is one of one, even if the silhouette is reused, the bags are never gonna be an exact copy. I spend time handcrafting each item that I make myself. That means no matter what I do the bags are always made different than the one before. I think what sets me apart from others is that no matter what piece you get it’s going to be Leather through and through and each bag is always lined with either suede or a soft leather interior.

How do you define success?
Success looks different for everyone. To me success is the excited reaction each time I deliver a bag to my client. Something about the smile when they are holding and caring something that my hands created gets me that much closer to that feeling of success. Now sure there is a financial number that I would see is being successful, but in all reality being able to see my product in the “wild” a success to me!

Pricing:

• Each project is different.

Contact Info:

• Website: Thej2co.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/Thej2collection

Image Credits
@Lenny White photography Passion 4 fashion week