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NOTEPAD LEATHER GOODS LTD, Flintshire
Josephine Lafe isn't scared of hard work but her latest business venture required a little more faith. Literally.
The 56-year-old started her working life as a market trader, and went on to launch her own cleaning company, which has been running for 20 years.
Her most recent enterprise of handbags couldn't be more different - it came from divine inspiration and has been 10 years in the making.
Josephine Lafe, founder of Notepad Leather Goods Ltd.
A decade ago, while praying, the Christian mother-of-three felt an "impression" on her heart that would start the journey to creating Notepad Leather Goods.
Josephine, based not far outside Mold, said: "I had a vision of a handbag, with the name and design. I say an impression on my heart is an easier way for people to understand. I believed it was inspiration from God."
The business has been trading just under 12 months but the path wasn't easy. Following Josephine's vision were 10 years of searching for the right materials and manufacturer, and when things seemed impossible and at the point of giving up, she pulled on her faith to keep going.
Details and colour from Notepad Leather Goods.
She added: "I didn't know anything about leather, so I started from scratch, drawing the design in pencil and it went from there.
"Once I had the design, I started looking for manufacturers and I was determined it had to be made in the UK.
"This was the hardest part. I'd go from one to another to another all over the country but none of them could get it quite right. It wasn't perfect.
"At times I felt like giving up but I knew this was from God and had to carry it through.
Handbag by Notepad Leather Goods Ltd.
"Eventually I found a manufacturer who did me a prototype, and I just thought 'wow, that is amazing', it was so close to perfect, with very few tweaks needed. It was such a relief, determination paid off.
"I was so happy, at long last it had all come together after 10 long years of looking and sourcing the right leather and having the nickel products e.g flip locks, rivets and D-rings designed, featuring the logo and made. Then finally finding the right manufacturer who had skilled artisans who could handcraft these bags to an excellent standard."
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Each bag, made from leather imported from Italy, is crafted by hand and takes hours to complete.
Josephine said despite stretching her faith, it has all been worth it, with highlights along the way.
She said: "One of my most memorable days was the first photo shoot with models - one being my best friend from school's daughter and the other being my beautiful Japanese sister-in-law - of the first four coloured handbags that had been manufactured, and the building of the website with these photos included."
Details and colour from Notepad Leather Goods.
The timeless, colourful accessories have appealed to a range of people, and customer feedback is definitely something to smile about.
Josephine adds: "My customers love my handbags, they all have a variety of linings as every woman is unique. Some have commented the handbags have plenty of room, and are easy to wear being across the body with a strong, leather, adjustable strap. They love the added detachable leather Notepad with miniature paper notebook."
Not one for putting her feet up, there is still more to come from Josephine.
She said: "We are now in the process of having the second handbag manufactured and are busy working on all the materials needed and liaising with the manufacturer to bring the end result. This takes time, planning and effort but it's all with it - to bring to the table a luxury handbag that is secure, unique and has much love sewn into it. These handbags are a quest of excellence."
• For more details visit notepadleathergoods.com
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