(MS) — Four years ago in Summit, New Jersey, Tina M. Leuthner and Vicky K. Dionne met by chance through their children. Little did they know that this new friendship would lead to the realization of an entrepreneurial dream. Although they left their jobs to be dedicated mothers, their passion for design and business still lived and it was only a matter of time before they fatefully joined forces. Two years after meeting, Tina and Vicky created their first endeavor, a company that introduced unique high end handbag designers to their area.

With Vicky's strong financial background, formerly having managed the investment portfolio for a multi-billion dollar corporate pension plan and 401K, and Tina’s sales and marketing skills from an executive sales position in the pharmaceutical industry, this was sure to be a winning combination. The Cristina Vasiliky, handbag label not only represents a strong entrepreneurial spirit but also makes generous contributions towards the fight for colon cancer.

Shown above is a cream shearling Kaitlyn bag with the company’s signature front broach.

Tina and Vicky garnered valuable industry information on what women want in a handbag by selling choice bags at trunk shows, fundraisers and stores. They established a wide client base in the New Jersey area and soon put their market research to work and started sketching and creating their own samples. A unique blend of their respective styles led to the formation of Cristina Vasiliky. The bags are produced in the USA, using luxurious European fabrics and their signature vintage brooches collected from a crosscountry treasure hunt of antique boutiques and estate sales. The first bag designed was named after their mothers, who shared the same name, Elizabeth. The other bags are named after their daughters; Gabriella, Elyssa and Emma Hope. Though each bag has it’s own identity they are timeless and elegant and can be easily paired with designer jeans or an evening gown. The first collection was a marvelous success. They sold to their existing client base and were soon approached by a number of boutique owners who wanted to carry Cristina Vasiliky in their stores.

Shown above is a a dark pink swirly wool Emma bag.

Their inspiration is fueled further from the loss of Tina’s mother to Colon Cancer on Christmas Eve in 1999. From the day of the diagnosis until the end, Elizabeth fought the battle of colon cancer with the dignity of a lady and the ferocity of a warrior. A portion of the proceeds will go to the TJ Martel Foundation to help find a cure for this silent and deadly disease.

Cristina Vasiliky is not just an exquisite new handbag line, but also an inspiration to women across the country and a way in which they can help the cause; through purchase of the bags. These mothers from New Jersey revisited their skills, dreams, passions and most of all their entrepreneurial spirits.

For more information about these handbags, visit www.cristinavasiliky.com.