Fashion has always been on my mind; however, I never realized how much it was on my mind. Growing up in an average suburb town in Ohio, life was very ordinary for me. Being a handbag designer, and living and working in New York City, was not on my to-do list.

I started to design when I was younger by creating and sewing my own leotards out of funky materials for my daily gymnastics practices.

When I was younger I would watch my mother create outfits for me. As I got a bit older, I started to design and sew my own leotards out of funky materials for my daily gymnastics practices. Still, I never thought sewing was a skill that could land me a career.

Throughout my school years the arts were not highly emphasized as a civilized or profitable way to make a living. We were taught that most artists were the type that were starving. I excelled in science and figured to take the medical route at Ohio State University. It took me two years to realize my destiny wasn’t in the lab. I took an International Fashion Business class, and I was hooked. I immediately switched to fashion design, still not fully knowing what direction I was going. I was still frustrated in not knowing where my new fashion design degree would take me.

After having an internship in college with Calvin Klein I knew there was only one place for me to be: New York City. Once I was there I knew there would be no problem figuring things out.

Post graduation, I moved out to New York City and started working for Coach. I only had the clothing design experience from college and my internship in Ready-to-Wear at Calvin Klein. Coach was a huge jumping point for my passion for designing accessories. I later moved from company to company learning more about the accessory world.

One day I decided to leave the corporate world and try and make it on my own. I had no financial responsibilities and with youth on my side my world changed forever. Having worked in the corporate world, and not having been challenged enough, I was craving for more. I decided to start my own business; I wanted to use my own designs and create something for women to make them feel special.

Elspeth New York has been up and running for about three years now. Having my own business has not always been easy; there are those moments that I have thought this could all be over. But I keep my head up and focus on the end result. If I work hard and keep a clear mind, I am able to figure out my problems. Having your own fashion business tests your skills from every level; the success you receive is a true reflection of yourself. It is not about the money or fame; designing is about escaping reality and having the ability to think out of the box.

For a sneak peak at the Fall 2009 collection, click here. Please visit www.elspethnyc.com to view the full collection.

Elizabeth Phillips is an innovative designer who is quickly rising in the world of fashion. She has lent her talent and ideas to classic luxury brand companies such as Coach, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. After falling in love with accessories, Phillips paved her road to success when she founded ELSPETH in 2005. She now uses her freedom to compose eclectic combinations of material, colors and textures that are on the cutting edge of style.