Rebecca Yuhasz Smith and her pony, Licorice.
|
Rebecca Yuhasz Smith bases her unique handbag, accessory, and antiques business in the picturesque Midwestern town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. This Western Reserve land grant community, which closely resembles a New England village, is consistent with her family's love of animals, art, and antiques. In addition to Rebecca's couture handbag business, she also raises Champion English Setter show dogs, drives a small pony, and fills her home and studio with a collection of antiques from her global travels.
Rebecca's experiences in both the dog and horse worlds helped her design and create beautiful handbags adorned with gorgeous antique equestrian images and rhinestone pins that appealed to those who enjoy the sporting life.
Before Rebecca knew it, she was knee deep in orders and fabric and needed help. A chance meeting with a local Amish family was the genesis of a business model that employs members of the local Amish community. These women artisans sew the bags using old world customs, including sewing each bag by hand on a treadle sewing machine with no electricity.
Rebecca earned her bachelor degree in Political Sciences and a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. After a career in marketing and management, most recently as CEO of a non-profit company assisting at-risk high school students, Rebecca was ready for a new challenge.
Art, animals, antiques, and sewing have been lifetime interests for Rebecca. Today, she incorporates all of these diverse interests into her handbags and her company - Rebecca Ray Designs. Rebecca's entrepreneurial spirit has engaged family, friends and community, all of whom have contributed to this innovative, growing company.
|
Michelle Luciano
|
As Rebecca's business expanded, she enlisted her childhood friend, Michelle Luciano, to join her team. Michelle was an ideal addition to Rebecca's organization, bringing with her more than twenty years of experience in the fashion design and retail world. Michelle's insight and expertise has been a true asset to Rebecca Ray Designs. Michelle has a BS from Kent State University in Fashion Design. After nineteen years in retail sales, management, merchandising and display, she owned and operated her own highly-successful custom bridal business. Four years later Michelle traded the fashion world for the glamorous life of motherhood, all the while keeping her passion for fashion design alive by creating costumes for a local theater. Michelle is excited to bring her talents to the Rebecca Ray team.
|
