We had the good fortune of connecting with Shari Ginyard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shari, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I didn’t choose this path. It literally haunted me any time I decided to do something other than it. I would find myself in a state of absolute apathy working in traditional fields.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The handbags I create are unique in the fact that as it stands, each one is one of a kind. This is the case because I am a one woman production team and still a very small business. I use leather manufacturers but I also repurpose vintage leather pieces. A pair of pants could be your next purse! I started making BridgeParker Bags as a side project to my full time job. Slowly, bag making became my true passion and I could not walk away from it. And I have tried. I believe my voice was needed in the handbag world. At my wildest, I design each purse to be an outfit deciding factor. At my most reasonable, I create statement pieces that help basic outfits seem pulled together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my bestie was in town, I would go thrifting and plant shopping in Little 5 Points. Then we’d head over to the High to take in some art and snap some selfies. Next we’d head to Barcelona Wine Bar for some tapas and Sprinkles for a cupcake (in my head, because they closed ugh). Finally we would tap out on the couch, laughing and crying as we often do when we are together.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout out is to my small tribe. My husband Kevin, who not only supports me emotionally but also is my website builder and operations manager. My mom Rita, who supports me in any possible way she can. She is my first fashion icon and the person who taught me how to make something out of nothing. My cousin Starr, who brought me my 1st sewing machine with her Sears credit card!

Website: www.bridgeparker.com

Instagram: @bridgeparker

Twitter: bridgeparker

Facebook: bridgeparker

Image Credits
Kevin Ginyard for Chipflix photography Keith Saunders Photos

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