House of Bags reborn!

Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

There's just something about a woman's handbag ... and Juliet Moss-Solomon, owner of House of Bags understands it. All her understanding and passion have now been consolidated into one fabulous First-World facility at Shop #8 in the Barbican Centre, located along East King's House Road in St Andrew.

It was a joy-filled morning last Tuesday when Minister of Investment, Industry and Commerce Karl Samuda declared the beautiful store open.

Citing the example of a young designer who was currently working on his own line of goods for export, Samuda urged the new store operator to sell more locally manufactured items.

"Trade is a two-way street that involves import and export but we need both activities to set the stage for economic growth," he urged.

He encouraged Mrs Moss-Solomon and other entrepreneurs to establish a working relationship with local manufacturers who could supply them.

Moss-Solomon who spent some 30 years in the travel agency business before venturing into fashion retailing, also had words of encouragement and advice for fellow entrepreneurs. She said business cannot only be about the bottom line.

People first

"When you go into business, don't let money be your main focus; think about pride, job creation and the fact that you will be putting food on many people's tables," she said.

But her highest praise was for he staff and the Jamaican work force whom she said were among the best in the world and who would go the extra mile to see that a job was well done.

"We have the best workers anywhere in the world; when they set their minds to it, our workers offer the best customer service so as employers we must empower our staff to be more confident and they will in turn, invest more of themselves in the business."

Formalities dispensed with, the eager guests and customers entered the air-conditioned comfort of the beautifully laid out store. The store features predominantly white with a burst of lime. Red and olive hues are used for the sofas in a cosy sitting area, while other chairs are also arranged close to the small inventory of shoes. And it was all designed by the proud owner.

The range of bags cover all of the popular brands from Coach to fun and work bags, a good selection of evening purses, all sorts of travel bags, something for the children and something for the busy executive. But while there, you can also pick up some funny slogans for home or office walls, accent items for the living room, ties, belts and underpants for men as well as something for the kitchen.

The brief opening was also a time for Moss-Solomon to celebrate family and long friendships and she expressed gratitude to her minister, Pastor David Henry, her mother, husband, sons and daughter-in-law. Sharon Wolfe was master of ceremonies. The magnificent floral arrangements were from Tai Flora, next door.

Among the guests in attendance we spotted: her husband, Owen Moss-Solomon; mother Valda Sinclair; son Cornel Cohen and wife Katrina; David Moss-Solomon, son; Jean Cooke; Anthony Edwards; Nicole Martin; Glynn Manley; Jenine Ewart; attorneys Karene Gilbert and Nyasha Heaven; Sharon Graham; Joy Charles; John Largie; Sharon Shelton; Sandra Colings; Camile Needham; Sandra Caballero; Donna Gordon-Whyte; Gail Wilson; Jean Wilson; and Nicole Nicole Pearce.

House of Bags is located at Shop #8, Barbican Centre, 29 East Kings House Road, Kingston 6. Email:houseofbagsja@yahoo.comPhone: 946-9471 or 978-2960.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com