Exuding grace and elegance in every stitch is Khentish Designs JA, which was built on a return to skill. A Jamaican handcrafted bag business is carving out space in the local accessories market by focusing on quality, durability, and functional design. Established in 2023, with a short timeframe between opportunity and execution.

“I generally have a passion for making and creating things,” said founder Stacy-Ann Palmer-Clarke while telling her story to the Jamaica Observer.

With an early interest in sewing, she took the opportunity to formally develop the skill by enrolling in a drapery course at Garmex Academy, where she learnt to operate sewing machines and produce items such as drapes and cushions. As work and other commitments took priority, sewing was eventually placed on the back burner. In 2023, however, an extended period of vacation leave during the July-August summer months provided the time and space to return to the craft.

“I had the time. So I was like: Why not give this sewing another chance?” she told the Sunday Finance.

With an interest in bag-making, she began researching the craft online, using social media and instructional videos to learn the techniques involved. Starting with small items such as pencil cases and pouches, she produced several pieces by the end of her vacation leave and brought them to work to gauge interest. The response led to her first sales and confirmed early demand for the products.

“That kind of even got me more interested in the craft. So I started learning more, practising more, until I started making bigger items,” she shared.

After receiving steady support from co-workers who purchased her pouches, she was approached in early 2024 to create her first full-size handbag, a custom black leopard-print work tote designed for daily use, and this marked a turning point for the business. The customer reported extended use and stronger wear performance compared with similar bags previously purchased elsewhere. For Palmer-Clarke, the positive feedback validated her decision to move into handbags and, thereafter, toiletry pouches and functional crossbody bags for men, clutches, and other accessories.

“I realised that I could make this into a business because I love doing it, and I like what I’m doing,” she said.

She then turned her attention to branding, searching for a name with meaning. Drawing on her faith, she settled on the word Khen, symbolising grace and favour, which informed the creation of the Khentish Designs JA brand and its slogan, “exuding grace and elegance in every stitch”. The business was registered by the end of the same year. Khentish Designs prides itself on the details involved in each neatly hand-sewn stitch. Attention to detail is a hallmark of Palmer-Clarke’s work, a quality for which customers frequently praise the designer.

“I’m always picking for my finishes and ensuring that there is no pulling there or any thread left over, not cut off or singed. So those are some of the responses I get in my neatness, and they just look good,” she said with a laugh.

Despite the visual appeal of larger handbags, Palmer-Clark said smaller, stylish pieces perform best. Her top-selling product is the Sara wristlet, a two-tone design, followed closely by the Trinity wristlet, a triangle-shaped style that continues to attract strong customer interest. During gift-giving seasons, the business also offers customisation and personalisation services. Christmas represents the biggest sales period for the business, as customers actively seek gift items for the holidays and other occasions such as Valentine’s Day. Outside of these peak periods, sales can fluctuate, particularly during times when priorities shift, including following natural disasters.

“I still give thanks for the lows as well as the highs. Okay, I realise it’s part of the business,” said Palmer-Clarke

Balancing the demands of running a handmade business while maintaining full-time employment remains a challenge. Time management, particularly around marketing and sales, has proven difficult as production increases. To address this, the business is positioning itself to expand into retail stores, reducing the physical demands of frequent pop-up events and trade shows. Palmer-Clark is also exploring the development of a website to support sales and visibility. Khentish Designs JA can be found on Instagram at @KhentishDesignsja, with products available at various pop-up events and trade shows throughout the year. Prices for the bags range from $2,000 to $10,000.

“I see Khentish Designs being a competitive brand, a bag brand, in the near future,” she told the Sunday Finance.

Currently, the business focuses on small to medium-sized bags, but plans are underway to introduce larger handbags while continuing to cater to both women and men. Palmer-Clark said she ultimately envisions Khentish Designs JA becoming a recognised Jamaican bag-making brand, serving the local market while also exporting pieces that reflect Jamaican creativity and flair to customers overseas.

Small fabric bag designs by Stacey-Ann Palmer-Clarke, founder of Khentish Designs JA.

Khentish Designs purple wristlet bag .

Small Jamaican theme Khentish Designs bag .

PALMER-CLARKE…I see Khentish Designs being a competitive brand, a bag brand, in the near future.

A Khentish Designs pouch.

Founder of Khentish Designs, Stacey-Ann Palmer-Clarke models one of her most sold bags.