Bags of Plenty was set up in November 2014 by sisters Vanessa Ramm and Caroline Mackness.
When holidaying in Ibiza a couple of years ago Caroline visited the hippy market. I came across a stall selling beautifully hand made leather bags that were all different colours and designs. I could not believe the quality and the individuality of the design of them. I purchased one bag and took it home. Whenever I used it everyone commented on how gorgeous it was and where did I buy it?
The next year on returning to Ibiza I visited The World Family Ibiza shop where the bags are made and bought five to take home for friends for Christmas presents. Once again I had the same reaction when giving them as presents. It was then that I decided to contact World Family Ibiza to see if I could sell their gorgeous bags in England as I had never seen anything like them in this Country being sold. They have outlets in Greece, Switzerland, Holland and of course Spain but nothing over here.
Vanessa was in a similar situation. On her travels seeing wonderful items that she knew would have a market in the UK. Having had a career in Museum Retailing and Product Development, She found that she still held more than just a consumer's interest in discovering new and interesting products. Whether it is a machine knit scarf from Electronic Sheep in Dublin; beautiful leather accessories and jewellery from an exclusive supplier in Greece; or specially commissioned lines, taking existing products and adapting them for our customers; I get a real thrill from sourcing products, and then offering them to a wider audience. We are determined to keep the product selection fresh and exciting, whilst still ensuring quality and design. Although the business is still young our customers seem to appreciate our ethos.
Both keen horsewomen Caroline and Vanessa through their love of horses and competing have decided to try and link their interests together with their new business and will be holding trade stands at various horse events through out the year as well as music festivals and Christmas Fayres.
Vanessa studied History of Art and worked for The Royal Academy of Arts for 10 years where she held the position of publications manager. One of her responsibilities was running the Museum shop and she would have to liase with Royal Academicians on what designs they could use on products they could sell.
Caroline studied horticulture and became a florist working in London.