What a wonderful place this world would be if we could all tap into our dreams and passions and not only take a risk, but enjoy the adventure as well. This is what Designer Kate Elfatah has decided to achieve with her creative ability to craft quality and trendy handbags and accessories. Kate’s love of fashion and sewing can be traced back to her humble roots, growing up in a working class Irish family in East Falls, Philadelphia. Kate’s mother was a skilled seamstress, making doll clothes for the local neighbor children when times were financially difficult to supplement her meager income. Kate continued this family tradition by majoring in Fashion Design. It was clear that Kate’s attention to detail and her knowledge of fabrics and patterns would have her hand made designs featured in the school’s Fashion Shows. Motherhood came to Kate during those learning years and she gracefully placed her children first.

Kate worked in the corporate world for many years. Obtaining as

much knowledge she could, she became a strong independent woman, who knew who she was at all times and where she wanted to go. A few years ago, Kate went to the local fabric store and picked up a pattern for make-up bag. She thought it would be great to put her sewing machine to use and start a novel hobby. Looking at the pattern, she thought of how she could make the pattern bigger or different, her designer instincts were resurfacing and she began to look at her craft in a new light. Kate began making make-up bags for her friends and relatives; she barely kept up with the demand. Her handbag design inspiration came from work environment; she kept seeing women bring in their lunch and other items in plastic shopping bags. The idea for a fashionable durable tote came to fruition.

In 2006 Kate began her handmade bag company, Bellas Bag. She started creating not, just your standard tote, but beach bags and clutches. Once again, she sold out at every home party and craft show. Her greatest joy would come when she was out and about and noticed someone carrying one of her bags. This inspired her to continue crafting and designing. Kate would soon start using recycled fabric, deconstructing old garments to create clutches and totes.

Kate has begun a new journey, with her own design label, House of Minerva. Her bags and accessories are designed with classic yet fun patterns and fabrics with new twist on the standard tote. This is only the beginning from a creative and inspiring woman.

FOLLOW KATE ON TWITTER: katee72