I met Brittany at the Kinney Collective pop up a few weeks ago. We instantly hit it off and got to talking about all things entrepreneurship and the joys (and crashes of being a founder). Brittany is full of energy, spark and makes some of the most gorgeous leather bags you’ve seen. All designed and made locally. Awesome stuff. Here’s what she had to say about all things love, breakups and dating.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I make handmade, one-of-a-kind leather bags and small leather goods. I’ve been sewing since I was 12, went to art college for fashion design and since then have worked at various fashion companies in NYC, San Francisco and LA…but nothing could ever compare to working for yourself and doing exactly what you love on your own terms. This is my passion and I can’t see myself doing much else. I started my bag business, “Brittany Matyas”, only about 9 months ago and so far I am amazed at how far hard work, dedication, creativity and passion can take you.
What’s the best gift you ever got?
So if you pick out your own gift, it still counts, right? I got a check one year for christmas from my great aunt that I put towards my dream sewing machine…a Juki 1541 industrial machine that sews through leather like a dream! Ahhhh it’s my baby and I have wanted one for so many years. Because of her generosity I was finally able to get it. Definitely the best present by far…and most useful too!
What’s the worst gift you ever got?
Oh, this is a tough one! Hmmm, I suppose gift cards for places I don’t shop at! Always a bummer. They either end up just sitting in my desk drawer or being given away.
What’s your advice for all things love, sex and dating?
Always be true to yourself, take risks, never make assumptions, and no regrets. If there are any warning signs or things that are bothering you about the other person, open up the communication and talk about it! Communication is key, and when done calmly and honestly, can work miracles.
What’s your go to pick me up?
Pop Physique! It’s this awesome ballet barre workout that is super intense and the BEST stress reliever I’ve ever encountered. I never found a fitness regimen that I could stick to before Pop, but now after a year and a half, I can’t quit it. It’s kind of an addiction.
Tell us about your first heartbreak…
I was a late bloomer, so I guess high school. I had a huge crush on this guy and when he started dating another girl in my class, I was devastated. It seem so small to me now, but at the time this was a really big deal!
Tell us about a time you Bounced Back better than ever…
I went through a little tiny bit of heartache this past year. Actually, to be honest, it was more like, can’t get out of bed, say no to showering, can’t stop crying, utter devastation. It was a rather abrupt and painful break-up. After a few weeks of really being one with the sadness, I finally decided to put my heartache, frustration and sadness to good use. This was when I started my handbag company…I had been working towards it but hadn’t really begun to lay the groundwork until this point. I basically built my business, all by myself (yay girl power!) from the ground up. Watching all my hard work pay off these past 9 months has really been the most gratifying thing ever, so I guess going through this sadness propelled me to do something that truly brings me happiness….sometimes things really do happen for a reason.
