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Picture Purse-onality was founded by two good friends, Velma Bergstedt (on the left) and Peggy Carisle(on the right)
in the summer of 2001. That summer changed both our lives forever.
As Velma was anticipating the birth of her son, Chase, Peggy was watching her grandmother lose her long battle with
breast cancer.
The chaos of that time caused us to loose touch and Peggy missed Velma's baby shower. Once the fall arrived things
started to settle and the two of us decided to go shopping to reconnect. On that trip to the shoppes we discovered a
small accessories store that had just received a new shipment of unique bags. Being a collector of handbags, Velma
had to check them out. It was there we discovered our inspiration. We found a small faux leather bag that allowed a
picture to be slid into a clear front pocket. Immediately we both LOVED the idea-but not the bag. It was not special
enough for us to want to display our fond photos so we passed it up.
As the holidays approached, Velma struggled for a gift idea for Peggy. She told her mother she was looking for a
photo bag like the one they say shopping but of a better quality. Her mom passed on an article about quilters making
heirloom picture quilts.
From there Velma investigated the process of printing on fabric. After many long frustrating nights -she had it.
In honor of her grandmother, Velma made Peggy a faux lavendar suede purse lined with breast cancer awareness
fabric, sporting a picture of Peggy and her grandmother. Underneath the picture was simply embroidered 'Believe' in a
rainbow of colors. Inside the message "Believe the ones you love are always with you, Believe in your own strength,
Believe you'll meet again".
Of course Velma made herself a bag proudly displaying her new baby. Before long they began receiving requests for
bags. Finally while shopping for linens, Velma was stopped by another customer and questioned about her bag. When
the woman learned Velma had made the bag she requested a card.
Shortly after the two friends met again and went handbag shopping, realizing no one was making bags like they were,
they decided to go into business.
Picture Purse-onality was born.