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Testimonials
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"
I cannot not tell you how happy I am with the two handbags that you crafted for me.
The leather coats that my two handbags were made from belonged to a very dear friend.
For sentimental reasons, I did not want to give them away. When I read about you in
the Indianapolis Star, I knew this would be the perfect way to use the jackets.
My friend would be very impressed with what you created for me. Not only are they
exactly what I envisioned, but they are even better. You captured everything I wanted
and more! THANK YOU! I will treasure them forever."
–Jo, Fishers, IN
"
I love the bag so much. It is so special that you incorporated my grandpa's tie
into the interior. I love it, I love it, I love it! So long, sorry-looking
canvas bag...Hello, Refind Originals beautiful leather bag! I have never had
such a nice bag. You are a fine artist. It means even more to me that you made
it. What an awesome concept!"
–Anne H., Michigan
"
My ReFind Originals bag has been perfect. It's weathered my hectic life so well.
I live in NYC and have a four-year-old, so half the content of my apartment is
in my bag at any given moment. This bag is sturdy! It feels good on my shoulder
(no slipping!) and I feel good about my choice to use a bag made from 100%
recycled materials not made in a sweat shop. This idea is so brilliant. The bag
is chic and beautiful and guilt free! I am only buying Refind Originals bags
from now on. Thank you!"
–Julie B., NYC
"
I just got the purse! I'm so excited—it's really beautiful! I'm so glad I
was able to get that one—it's just what I've been needing!"
–Elizabeth G., Seattle
"
The purse arrived today and it is great! Thanks so much for the care in making it.
I love that you used the pocket from [my dad's] jacket for the inside pocket.
When I was a kid...my dad would give me money for whatever I was going to do.
Now I can still put my hand in his pocket—I am sure he is somewhere laughing at that.
Thanks again for the great service."
–Patricia B., Rockville, IN
"
All I can saw is WOW! It looks so great. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!"
–Natalie, Mooresville, IN
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Who's Talking About Us
Press Release
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September 22, 2008
ReFind Originals' Handbags Available at Fountain Square Art Fair
Indianapolis, IN – This Saturday, ReFind Originals' recycled leather handbags can be purchased at the
Fountain Square Art Fair, where the Indianapolis-based designer will have a booth showcasing its work.
ReFind Originals bags are for sale online and at select boutiques, so the art fair represents a hands-on
opportunity for the public to get a closer look at the craftsmanship and quality that goes into each original
piece. A wide selection of styles including clutch purses, shoulder bags, and ReFind Originals' trademarked
children's WOOF PACK™ will be available at this weekend's show.
The company will also be selling bags in the Irvington Halloween Festival on October 25 and the IUPUI First
Annual Fine Arts and Craft Fair on November 22.
Company owner and designer Anita Hopper has also added two stores to the growing list that carry her
creations. Marigold in Broad Ripple recently acquired several handbags as well as Artists' Own gallery in
Lafayette.
Because no two ReFind Originals bags are alike, customers know that no matter where they purchase a
handbag or WOOF PACK™, they are going to own something that's one-of-a-kind. Selections are available
for purchase locally at Marigold, Broad Ripple; Charisma!, Zionsville, IN; Gallery 116, Fishers, IN;
Artists' Own gallery, Lafayette, IN; J'Ann & Co., Noblesville, IN; Salon 01, Carmel, IN; and Ballerinas &
Bruisers, Zionsville, IN.
Boutiques across the country are placing orders for ReFind Originals' handmade bags. They've been shipped
to stores in Washington, California, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Virginia, and Illinois.
Hopper also continues to fill orders for keepsake bags, specially made from a client's own leather coat.
For more information, contact Anita Hopper at (317) 348-0123 or visit the website: www.refindoriginals.com.
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Press Release
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June 17, 2008
Locally Designed, "UpCycled" Handbags in Indy Boutiques and across the Country
Indianapolis, IN – Last fall, Indianapolis-based ReFind Originals launched its initial line of eco-friendly women's
handbags locally at one store, Salon 01 in Carmel, IN. Within a mere six months, these one-of-a-kind bags made from
outdated leather apparel have been picked up by several boutiques in Fishers, Zionsville, and Noblesville as well as
stores in Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York City.
Also, the kid-friendly WOOF PACK™, an exclusive ReFind Originals product that's been a hit with the preschool set in
Manhattan, is gaining national exposure, as it is featured in the current summer issue of Modern Dog magazine.
"The interest and response to our bags is motivating to me as an artist," company owner and designer Anita Hopper said.
"And some of the boutiques have been a particularly good fit philosophically. One store features eco-conscious gifts that
are recycled, responsible, reclaimed and repurposed—and that's exactly what we're doing with ReFind Originals."
The word "upcycling," coined by the authors of Cradle to Cradle, refers to taking something disposable and transforming
it into something of greater use and value. This concept captures the essence of ReFind Originals' methods and philosophy.
Using the soft leather from an outdated bomber jacket and an old blouse made from beautiful fabric that's been rescued
from a secondhand store, Hopper "upcycles" to something fun and beautiful—the leather is recreated to become the handbag's
exterior, even incorporating lines and details such as a pocket into the new purse. The blouse fabric becomes a quality lining
for these upscale accessories.
"Most women are interested in supporting creative recycling ventures," Hopper said, "but they also enjoy great style.
They appreciate the final product even more knowing that there's no risk that these bags were stitched in a sweat factory
or required reams of fabric manufactured in a waste-producing factory. These are crafted by hand in my studio, one bag at
a time, from reclaimed materials."
One of the fastest-growing aspects of the business is "Personalized Bags." Hopper's clients have appreciated this
custom design service. Someone can send her old leather coat to ReFind Originals, where Hopper transforms it into a
personalized signature handbag.
"Someone's own leather garment has memories and a personal history attached to it," Hopper explained. "Instead of
hanging it in a closet to gather dust, our customers can actively enjoy that piece and the memories attached to it for
years to come—it becomes a valued everyday accessory."
Pat Ballinger sent in a leather coat that she inherited from her father.
"The way Anita incorporated the pocket of the coat into the purse interior is brilliant," Ballinger said. "I think
back to when Dad would give me money for an outing, and all these years later, I can still put my hand in his pocket.
I love that."
Natalie H. sent Hopper her husband's old police jacket. "Anita was able to use the buttons of the coat as decorative
accents on the front. She also preserved a special patch from the coat by stitching it into the lining," Natalie said.
"When she sent photos of the completed bag, I could hardly wait to get my hands on it. It's gorgeous."
Women's handbags serve as the mainstay of her artistic work, but Hopper also enjoys making her new line of children's
backpacks, called the WOOF PACK™. Each WOOF PACK™ is emblazoned with the silhouette of a howling wolf cut from
a contrasting color of leather and is lined with a kid-friendly fabric, like soft flannel or cotton in fun colors from
outdated shirts.
"Orders for the WOOF PACK™ are keeping me busy," Hopper said. "Moms will spot a child walking down the sidewalk or
skipping into preschool with a WOOF PACK™, and they'll call me wanting one in a certain color combination or with their
child's initials."
Why feature a wolf?
Hopper responded, "I love bringing attention to an endangered species in a way that engages both kids and their
parents—it all fits together with our passion to protect the earth and gets people thinking, as they enjoy these 'green'
bags."
ReFind Originals had a booth at Orchard in Bloom last month. "When people stopped by, they could hardly believe not
only that I made each one by hand, but that I made them from outdated leather coats," Hopper explained. "They're
attracted to the style, but they love that the bags are easy on the environment."
No two ReFind Originals bags are alike. Selections are available for purchase online at www.refindoriginals.com and
locally at Salon 01, Carmel, IN; J'Ann & Co., Noblesville, IN; Charisma!, Zionsville, IN; Ballerinas & Bruisers,
Zionsville, IN; and Gallery 116, Fishers, IN. They're also carried at 2 Wise Girls in New York City, and Love Your Face
in California.
For more information, contact Anita Hopper at (317) 348-0123 or visit the website: www.refindoriginals.com.
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Press Release
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November 12, 2007
Indianapolis, IN – Consumers interested in making eco-friendly lifestyle choices have more options than ever thanks to Indianapolis-based
ReFind Originals. This innovative local business marked the launch of its line of stylish, recycled leather handbags and backpacks last week at
St. Luke's United Methodist Fall Bazaar and at Salon 01 in Carmel, IN.
ReFind Originals bags are handcrafted from outdated, discarded leather garments and upholstery by company creator and designer Anita Hopper.
Her idea of using outdated leather apparel to make handbags combined her love of sewing with her interest in recycling. She rescues and cleans
otherwise discarded coats and jackets, and then transforms them into fashion accessories.
Salon 01 recently added ReFind Originals accessories to its expanded boutique at the new City Center location in Carmel. Micki Stirsman, owner
of Salon 01, not only sells ReFind Originals bags through the boutique, but also carries one of the handbags herself.
"I love Anita's work," stated Stirsman. "These handbags are such high quality and so beautifully crafted that they fit well with our clients'
lifestyle. Besides, they're one-of-a-kind. I loved finding one that fit me perfectly."
Hopper incorporates into the bags patterned fabrics for lining along with hardware and other decorative touches, including vintage buttons,
loops from metal belts, and wooden buckles that are handmade from wood scraps. "My brother-in-law hand carves the buckles from pieces of walnut, maple, or cherry left over from his carpentry projects, so even the wood is
salvaged and recycled," Hopper said.
Prior to founding ReFind Originals, Hopper worked for 25 years as a professional decorator and seamstress for a wide range of clients in the
Indianapolis area. She always has approached design projects with a high level of creativity and skill, but the bags have required a completely
different way of thinking about materials and construction. Through ReFind Originals, Hopper tackled the technical challenge of working with leather
and hardware.
"When people see the bag I'm carrying, it's hard for them to believe not only that I made it, but that I made it from a recycled leather coat,"
Hopper explained. "They're attracted to the style, but they love that the bags are also environmentally friendly."
She also designs each bag around many of the construction details of the original piece, embracing, instead of fighting against, the history
of the leather.
"It could be seen as a frustration to someone used to working with new materials," Hopper explained, "but I enjoy incorporating the lines,
personality, and history of the leather into the new bag. It's not easy, but I think the extra effort adds interest and value to the handbags,
making each one unique."
ReFind Originals bags are available for purchase locally at Salon 01 at 200 City Center Drive in Carmel, IN, and on the Web at
www.refindoriginals.com. For more information, contact Anita Hopper at (317) 348-0123.
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