No one knows for sure if the bags I was driven to sketch during my pregnancy influenced my design passionate daughter in the womb or maybe it was in fact Sophia who was already influencing me to design. The birth of Sophia would change me and my family forever, no one expected for her to be born with Down's Syndrome, after all I was still in my twenties. The first few months were extremely difficult; there were serious health concerns to address and an overall sense of uncertainty for what the future might hold. Eventually after many months of worry, I finally decided to take some valuable advice a doctor provided when she saw that I was inconsolable upon receiving the definitive blood work results. She said remove the label and just raise her like a normal child who may need some help in certain areas. My new found courage would ultimately help take multitasking to a whole new level; attending therapies, running a business by day and designing new bags at night. The bags had to now handle a busy professional mom who needed business cards in one pocket and baby supplies in the other. My family was extremely supportive; my husband and I alternated attending therapies. The family would soon grow to include our son, Oliver and with multiple children the right size bag became even more important. I would escort both children to class each morning with school bags draped over one arm and my latest Bolzano prototype in the other trying to determine whether the straps would sit firmly, as I juggled kids and their own items.The Bolzano brand has evolved over time as a result of my experience. First as a traveling business woman, and later as a mother, who like most tries to juggle life's situations. These situations have made me demand more of the items I design and consider the needs of women facing similar circumstances. Sophia, who is now a fashion savvy teen, actively participates and gives input. She brings a new and youthful energy. Her fashion sense became apparent at an early age, she began sketching alongside me before she was ten. Ever since then, whenever you ask Sophia what she would like to do when she grows up her answer has been unsurprising; a Bolzano fashion designer. Through our subscription box, we look to deliver value combined with an element of surprise. My aim for Bolzano is to become a lifestyle brand, focusing on products that provide convenience and quality.