IN a humble St Catherine abode, a story of resilience, healing, and artistry is quietly unfolding — one stitch at a time. Pretty Li’l Bagz (PLB), a handmade accessory brand, is stitching together creativity, community, and second chances, proving that sometimes the most beautiful creations are born from life’s most painful moments.

At the heart of the brand is founder and CEO Beverly Gordon, a self-taught artisan whose journey from heartbreak to handmade fashion is as textured and intricate as the crochet patterns she lovingly brings to life. Pretty Li’l Bagz was crafted not just from talent, but from transformation. Its founder having discovered crocheting during her adolescent years quickly fell in love with the meditative rhythm and creative possibilities of the craft.

“I learned to crochet when I was 19 and loved it and spent years crocheting; however, heartbreak and domestic violence broke my spirit and I lost interest in my hobbies. With the introduction of the Internet and more so social media, being able to connect with a large community of crocheters and to share ideas got my interest reignited and since then crocheting became an important part of my healing journey. This, therefore, led me in 2020 to combine my love for bags and my passion for crocheting into Pretty Li’l Bagz,” Gordon told the Jamaica Observer.

Though officially registered in May 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed PLB’s full launch and as such, it wasn’t until February 2023 that the brand became fully operational. Today, the business is funded through a mix of personal savings, reinvested revenue and a grant from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

PLB’s handmade creations are crafted primarily for women between the ages of 20 and 55—particularly those seeking unique, artisanal fashion pieces and who value supporting small, local businesses. Each item is lovingly made by hand and tells its own story of resilience, identity, and style.

The product line, having grown beyond bags, now includes stylish hats, beanies, scarves, earrings, and more—each crafted with a distinctive blend of cultural pride and contemporary flair.

“PLB’s collections comprise: The 876 Collection which features the vibrant colours of the Jamaican flag, along with the pan-African mix of red, green, and gold. There is also the ‘Always Summer Collection’ which showcases a variety bright, breezy, and beautiful and the ‘Cozy Fall Collection’ embracing earth tones and textures of the season. The ‘Kute Kidz Kollection’, on the other hand, carries whimsical, child-friendly accessories perfect for the young and stylish,” Gordon said, noting that among the bestsellers are the 876 Collection’s crossbody and hobo bags, and the signature Curly Sue hat, which has quickly become customer favourites.

Among the company’s successes was its ability to have collaborated with Margaritaville to craft items under the Bob Marley label for the Bob Marley One Love Restaurant located inside of the Donald Sangster International Airport.

“It was a proud and unforgettable moment to walk through the airport and see my creations on display,” the CEO said.

Currently, PLB is a one-woman operation. Following the loss of her dear friend and former business partner, Gordon has in the last few years managed to carry the brand forward on her own, even as she anticipates a new phase of growth.

The CEO is, however, very determined to overcome certain challenges that come with managing a labour-intensive craft such as sourcing materials at fair prices and securing sufficient funding for expansion. A health issue stemming from repetitive crocheting has also led to tendinitis, affecting her productivity and requiring careful management. Despite these obstacles, Gordon remains laser-focused on charting PLB’s growth and innovation.

As a result, her vision for the next three to five years is to expand the product line, introduce personalised items and to commission a brick-and-mortar storefront. She dreams of having this cozy retail space where customers can browse, connect, and even learn the craft

“Another goal is to acquire a car as I had to sell the one I had during COVID. This would make it easier for me to deliver to my clients and to participate in more expos and events,” Gordon said.

A crossbody Kute Kidz piece crafted by Pretty Li’l Bagz.

At the request of customers, earrings and other accessories are now part of the Pretty Li’l Bagz line.

Arm candy, a piece from the Always Summer Collection

Warm Rust Delight pieces from the Cozy Fall Collection

Founder and CEO of Pretty Li’l Bagz Beverly Gordon models one of her signature Curly Sue hats.