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Not paper, not plastic, all personal

Local woman, who moved her studio to The Greene last year, crafts unique handbags.

Daina Levine, owner of JennaClaire Handbag Studio, arranges customer orders in her shop at The Greene. The store, which left its Centerville location a year ago, offers custom-designed handbags, tote bags and accessories.

Contributed photo Daina Levine, owner of JennaClaire Handbag Studio, arranges customer orders in her shop at The Greene. The store, which left its Centerville location a year ago, offers custom-designed handbags, tote bags and accessories.

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By Sue Moning, Contributing Writer 12:28 PM Wednesday, September 2, 2009

BEAVERCREEK — For Daina Levine, business is in the bag.

The owner of JennaClaire Handbag Studio, Levine pulled the curtain on the workroom where she sewed window treatments for her interior design business. She switched to sewing custom-designed handbags and in 2003, her home studio became JennaClaire, named after her then three-year-old daughter.

A year ago, Levine moved the custom bag and accessory business from Centerville to The Greene Towne Center, next to retail giant Von Maur. Her daughter, now eight, has developed an eagle eye for products bearing her name.

“She’s very good at spotting our bags when she’s out,” Levine said.

Her name may appear on items as small as a key ring or checkbook cover, or as large as a tote or diaper bag.

Levine buys locally and employs several seamstresses in the Dayton area, emphasizing she wants to support home-grown, independent businesses.

“Most of the dollars people spend in here stay in the local area,” Levine said.

All fabric is cut on site, and customers can provide their own fabric, including sentimental garments, for the bag. JennaClaire staff produced two small bags from the lining of a fur coat, giving two women a keepsake from their grandmother, including some personalized embroidery from the original coat, Levine said.

A young bride provided her mother’s and grandmother’s wedding dresses for Levine to design and sew 10 bags for the bridal party.

Her designs also have been a hit with a handful of female singers and actresses, including Sheryl Crow and Mandy Moore.

Sometimes customers are at a loss for ideas, but soon the creativity starts flowing.

“First, some people are overwhelmed,” she said. “Then, people come up with different combinations of things you might think would never work, but they do.”

The store displays completed bags and accessories to give customers ideas. People can choose from fabric remnants and swatches to complete a design. JennaClaire also offers custom-designed pet collars and leashes.

Levine hopes her online design Web page can be launched in the fall. JennaClaire Studio also hosts private parties.

JennaClaire Studio is located at 4832 Juniper Way at The Greene Towne Center.

For more information, call (937) 431-1888 or visit www.jennaclaire.com.

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