It takes a special design to transform a tote into the perfect lightweight carryall filled with class and distinction. Sofea, described by designer Nancy as the childhood version of herself, is curious and full of questions. Her never-ending smile, laughter and playfulness bring joy to everyone around her. The daughter of a fashion connoisseur, she is taken with style, but not afraid to get dirty which is why her namesake bag’s structure moves and molds with ease. The wide-open style is reminiscent of Sofea’s expansive heart. A sleek closure adds just the right touch of sophistication for the woman on-the-go.
The Kathy's namesake, Kathleen Marie, is Nancy’s steadfast cheerleader. Disciplined, organized and fiercely loyal, Kathy holds a special place in Nancy’s heart. Her deeply generous spirit is captured in the spacious body of The Kathy, JAMAH’s subtly sophisticated take on the ever-popular bucket bag. The design's sturdy yet soft strap echoes Kathy’s strength and grace, while elegant accent quilting elevates its aesthetic. Versatile, transcendent and reliable, Kathy's worldliness is echoed in its functionality. Beautifully practical, The Kathy is the perfect companion.
Over the course of their special friendship, Nancy and Donna have shared profound experiences, including the birth of Donna’s three children. “I held her first child before she did,” Nancy says, referring to her godson’s birth. In turn, Donna was there for the birth of JAMAH. Her fierce loyalty inspired The Donna, a roomy, almost hardware free tote, with a sophisticated simplicity and sleek closure. The Donna’s design is as original as Donna's own trademark blend of softness and strength. A former Miss Georgia, Donna’s beauty transcends contests and crowns. Rich with depth and dimension, The Donna is a tribute to classic allure.
The Deb is a story of doubles: a carry-all and its matching pouch named for a Debbi and a Debbie, two cherished friends and avid JAMAH collectors whom Nancy met in the same year through the incredible Robb Report network. The first thing that Nancy learned about Debbi Diggs was her desire for a car that would match her signature turquoise nail polish! A beacon of light for her family and friends, the captivating Debbi wormed her way into Nancy’s heart with her steadfast support, unwavering optimism and incredible baked goods. Debbie Dacus enchanted Nancy from the moment they met, like a butterfly embracing joy and freedom. Her intoxicating personality and sharp sense of humor captured Nancy’s heart, their immediate bond sparking a new forever sisterhood. This bag’s wide-open interior reflects the Debs’ never-ending well of generosity and love, while a minimalistic, yet bold hardware embellishment lends an unexpected flair. Like its namesakes, The Deb is adept at double duty, with a matching pouch that sits inside as a wallet or can be detached and carried separately as a clutch with or without the chain. Beautiful and versatile like both Debs, this classically understated bag fits in anywhere and everywhere but never leaves a room without having made an impact. It is most fitting that the origin of the name Deborah means bee; these two busy bees both perfectly embody the JAMAH motto, Be Who You Are. Debbi Ann Diggs and Debbie Ann Dacus (yes, they even have the same middle name!) are Nancy’s eternal cheerleaders!
Carry your Happy. Every Day. Everywhere.
Over the twenty+ years that JAMAH designer/owner Nancy Gale has spent naming the bags in her collection after people who inspire her, she has been asked one question more than any other: “When are you going to design The Nancy?” It never felt right; the spirit of the namesake bags is to celebrate and honor others, not herself. Having overcome notable tragedy, while never losing sight of who she is, Nancy has finally created the bag named for what she believes in: The Happy Bag.
According to the philosopher Pythagoras, the number three is one of harmony, while the number five represents curiosity, luck and adventure. With this in mind, the front of your Happy Bag will reflect your very own positive mantra. An embossed circle will combine your trio of inspiring words with JAMAH’s signature motto “be who you are” and most importantly, the word HAPPY.
Nancy’s happy words, “perseverance,” “resilience” and “smile,” reflect her impassioned conviction. Life experience has taught her that perseverance, resilience and a smile can get anyone through the most painful challenge or greatest tragedy. A steadfast believer in Power-Not-Pity, Nancy lives by the creed that happiness is a choice.
We invite you to design your very own Happy Bag. Choose from the most vibrant of JAMAH leathers and manifest your happiness in this large, multi-functional, everyday tote. The interior of your Happy Bag is lined in a sunny yellow suede that sings brightness and cheer and reminds you to always choose to “Carry your Happy!” And like all JAMAH bags, a personal message for yourself or a loved one can be debossed inside your Happy Bag.
Your Happy Bag purchase will also have a positive impact on others, with a donation in your name to Nancy’s nonprofit, AMBITION. Nancy founded the mentor-driven entrepreneurial program for disadvantaged youth, or as she calls it, her heartbeat, in 2010 in an effort to integrate cause and commerce. Each year, JAMAH will hold a biannual “Happy Challenge,” inviting nominations for those who bring happiness to their communities. The winner will be presented with a customized Happy Bag of their own.
And if it weren’t enough to walk through the world with your happy on your shoulder, The Happy Bag includes something to bring happiness to any moment: emergency confetti! So, take a minute to reflect on the words that bring a smile to your face and start designing your Happy Bag!
What could be better than choosing to “Carry your Happy?”
***Upon receipt of your Happy Bag order, an email will be sent requesting your three HAPPY words.***