Ever since I was a little girl, the sound of a foot operated Singer sewing machine enchanted me. I wanted to be able to press on that pedal; the needle would keep moving making that sound over and over again. After creating wardrobes for my dolls, I wanted to move on to real clothes. My grandfather rewarded me with a top of the line (at that time) electric sewing machine after I graduated from a clothing design program for teenagers. That was a huge deal for a teenager living in the former USSR! After creating a variety of garments, I discovered that I was more passionate about accessories than clothing. After my family relocated from Ukraine to San Francisco, I started to experiment with handbags. Leaving my sewing machine behind was incredibly difficult, so my very first big purchase in the USA was, you guessed it correctly, a sewing machine. My family and friends gave me numerous compliments on the creativity of designs and craftsmanship and encouraged me to start my own business. That’s how Olga K. Originals (aka OKOhandbags) was born. Every unique design that I create is very special and close to my heart. Some designs are dedicated to friends, family members, and very dear people in my life while others reflect certain memorable events.