Life and Work with Jess Davis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Davis.

Jess, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started in my 8th-grade History class. My football coach at the time was also my History teacher. We had a chapter where the students all made leather medicine bags by hand. The rest is “history.” I fell in love working with leather and creating handbags. Women started to notice the few handbags I made for myself in high school and began asking where they could purchase the bag. In college, I created handbags for some extra cash for books and whatnot. In my early 30’s, I realized instead of being a boss for another company, the best and healthiest thing I could do for myself was to build my handbag line and create bespoke beauties for clients.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
NO. At least for me, there was this fear of failing myself. Whatever that means. I don’t like using that word anymore. There was a fear that people wouldn’t care for what I create. The reason why – that is truly how I’m wired. It’s a part of me and my spirit. It’s scary to put yourself out there entirely and that’s what I’m doing.

Any advice for other women, particularly young women who are just starting their journey?
Go for it.
Follow your intuition and always let it guide you. It’s right.
Hustle hard.
Push through the plateaus and doubt.
Keep trying, keep trying, keep trying.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I create bespoke handbags that are rocker chic. I have found more and more clients love coming into my studio or face timing me for a studio session. These handbags are one of kind. I also walk away from a handbag if my energy is off. People are carrying these bags every day and I want positive energy going into each piece. I’m super proud of that awareness and follow through with myself. Jay Davis Bags offers very unique art to wear handbags. I love taking my time with these handbags because every client has a special relationship with what they carry and what’s inside.

I also branched out into large scale leather art. It’s how my brain works and I’m super proud for finally taking the plunge with that I recently had my first solo exhibition. It was called Le Paon Noir (the black peacock) which is me. It was about finding happiness with your sexual orientation and intimacy. It was my story and I’m glad I was able to share such a vulnerable and tough story through art. These wall pieces and sculptures are another portion of what I do and something that I’m starting to push as well. I do commissions and it’s a wonderful way for me to connect with more people. I love seeing my pieces hung on someone’s wall or in a public space!

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I grew up in a family business. That family business was a salvage yard and iron yard. At a very young age, I was taught to work hard. In elementary school, I would clean the offices, scrape the grease off the shop floors or pick up the lanes for debris from all the vehicles. My allowance money was spent on handbags. In middle school I started crushing wheels and tires, draining all of the cars of their fluids and helping out with the accounting portion of the business. It is still extremely important to me that I work hard every day. In fact, in all honesty I’m trying to find a balance of rest as well for my body and mind. I’m building something for myself. The only way to do it is through dedication and putting the “muscle” into my brand. Dedication for me is self-love.

Contact Info:

• Address: Prism Workspaces
  999 Vallejo Street
  Denver, CO 80204
• Website: jaydavisbags.com
• Email: jaydavisbags@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaydavisbags/

Image Credit:
Profile Shot- Friends & Lovers Photography, Product Shots – Friends & Lovers Photography, From The Hip Photo, Shelby Borer Photography, AK Photography

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