Western-Inspired. Boardroom-Practical. All Around Fashion & Function? You’ve found it – Elaine James Fine Goods.

“TIMELESS leather pieces, born from the SPIRIT of the west. HAND CRAFTED to last.”

Hi Friends! Welcome in to another installment of the “Grit & Glam Inspired” series, where I chat with rockstar makers in the western fashion & lifestyle industry – ladies who know how to work hard & look good doing it; who cherish our cowboy culture & the way of life it brings; who are really excelling in their fields of creativity!

Today’s feature is Kirsten McCulloch, a gal who I haven’t known for too long but have been instant friends with from the moment we met! You’re about to find out why! Read on as we tell her tale…

Tell us a little bit about your business…

It was 2012 & I had just had my first son. I was working for a Fortune 500 company, traveling constantly & commuting 3 hours daily. I loved my job & was working for a company I truly believed in, but I didn’t love the constant time away from family. Fast-forward to 2013, Ryle was one & I knew there had to be something better, a chance to have a company of my own, more time with my family & control over my future. But what could I do? That’s when I looked at my boots. I had a pair of Old Gringos that I just absolutely loved. They were neutral colors – black, brown & teal. They went with any outfit I had & added a western touch without screaming western. That’s when it hit me! I was constantly searching for a handbag with a nod to the western way of life…

So I started with an idea. Creating a timeless leather handbag that was born from the spirit of the west. I knew the bag needed to be impeccably made, keep the wearer organized, & be the right amount of stylish no matter where she would wear it!

This is where my UBER talented husband came into the picture! He is a second generation saddle maker. A man that knows leather, quality & artistry. After a little begging, he begrudgingly helped. Side note, he is convinced every woman deep down inside wants to be a shoe or handbag designer. And to his chagrin his wife didn’t fall far from his expectation. Today, he is my biggest supporter, design assistant, quality control manager, tradeshow booth builder & best friend. He & I talk about each bag, design & re-design until we think it is right.

Where did the name “Elaine James” stem from?

I knew that I wanted a name to represent my bags but I didn’t want to use my own. So Elaine James is a combination of my oldest son & my middle names.

If you would like folks to know one major thing or a few statements about your business, what would those be?

All our bags are hand-made, with custom conchos & interiors to keep everyone organized. We stand behind each bag & want the wearer to feel beautiful, stylish, & that they made the right choice in bags. Because Elaine James is quality, beauty & style.

What have been some of your best-sellers or your personal favorites?

Each of my bags have a special place in my heart. When asking which one is a favorite, it is like asking me which child I like better! With my customers, the Roy & Audie have been the most popular.  

One of your unique attributes is the fact that a portion of each bag purchase will go back to Compassion International…

Yes – I believe we were put on this earth to love & support each other. As Elaine James prospers I want to ensure we share our good fortune with others.

What are your plans for 2019?

It is my hope that 2019 brings Elaine James customers from around the world. The chance to sell out our current line & design for the future! We are excited & poised to create a legacy.

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What a fun chat! Big Thanks to Kirsten for taking the time to lead us through her inspiring Elaine James Fine Goods brand. Stepping into a unique facet of western style with each of her designs, Kirsten excels at sticking to her roots & using her life experiences to add function into the mix. What an inspiration & boss lady this gal is!

Click the video for a quick chat & closer look at Elaine James Fine Goods!

That wraps it up for now friends! Be sure to check out Elaine James Fine Goods for all of your classy handbag totin’ needs – from the ranch to the boardroom & everywhere in between!

AND here’s how to keep up with it all on social media!!!
Elaine James on Instagram @elainejamesfinegoods – on Facebook as “Elaine James Fine Goods” – and shop on the website www.elainejamesfinegoods.com

Don’t forget to keep up with my social media, too, by following @kenziegk on Instagram & “Roots Run Deep, Mackenzie Kimbro” on Facebook!
*Also, here’s the link that will take you to the original “Grit, Glam & Grace: The Modern Cowgirl” post, which is where this Grit & Glam Inspired series began!

Thanks y’all!!! 💜🌵💜
Here’s to good friends and rockin fashion,
~Kenzie

P.S. Be sure to look for those social media & SHOPPING links in the above text, makes life easier to just click & instantly see what this great company is all about!
Photos courtesy of Kirsten McCulloch, Elaine James Fine Goods
Cinematography credit goes to Salty Roan Productions! Thanks Bart, for trekking all over NFR 2018 with me to get these amazing features!