When first learning how to sew and work with leather, the travel bag was my first project. The travel bags were also my first products that I ever sold, starting in 2024, around the holiday season. When I think about this being my first product, I think about the person who I have to thank for allowing me to create such an item. 

Brennan Gilkison is a friend, a farmer, and the best father. I am grateful for him in every aspect of my life, but more so how I was raised and the opportunities him and my mom, Serena Gilkison, have allowed me to have. I owe so much to them both for putting trust into an idea and letting me figure it all out with full support.

The following week after learning how to work with leather and create different items, I attempted at making another travel bag myself. Moral of the story, it was the worst bag I have made thus far. However, it currently resides in the drawer of my dad's sink, and on occasion, travels to different cities or states. Even with the ragged fabric from forgetting to make my edges clean or the crooked stitching, it is still a prized possession to its owner.

Thinking about names for my bags, I knew I wanted to dedicate these to him. He names all my other creations with silly names, but surprisingly, he hadn't come up with one for the travel bags - a great opportunity for me to name it after the person I look up to. 

I'm grateful for the man that keeps us all going. The one who gave me my full name - one that is now being used for an idea that has come to fruition. He's somebody everybody wishes for and, if you have him, you're thankful for. 

When I count my lucky stars, I count B twice.