The Paige - Animal free bag from the Classic Collection
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In True Fashion WRITTEN BY Darci Hansen
Far from the winter chill of Michigan where her love for snow skiing began, Nancy Gale rollerblades through the coastal real estate of southern California. 22 years ago she traded in her ‘roots’ for beach blonde, and glided into the sunshine unaware that her future was simply in the bag.
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hough born in New York, her early years were spent as a California girl. By the time she was five, her family’s relocation to Michigan meant that outings by the sea were supplanted by days on the lift. Nancy became an avid snow skier and, when it was time to pursue her higher education, she packed her gear and headed to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. “At that time, it was really about skiing, so I chose a college where I could be a ski instructor and attend school,” she says regarding her choice of institutions. As a sorority girl (Delta Delta Delta) Nancy also discovered the value
of sisterhood and connecting with strong women. “Some of my deepest friendships came from this experience.” After graduation she ventured to the east coast, with stops and careers in D.C. and Boston. However, her heart kept calling her back to the west, so she took charge of her destiny and once again claimed an address along southern California’s Pacific Coast Highway, explaining, “I just feel like I can breathe better here and am most at home by the sea.”
MARCH thru APRIL 2010
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According to Nancy, the trend of today and the wave of the future are “timeless-with-a-twist” designs that combine style and the knowledge that what is truly fashionable is on the inside.
Nancy Gale
Founded in 2000, Nancy launched a company she called, “Jamah.” It began as an entertainment marketing and merchandising company, specializing in high-end cast and crew gifts. She built a client list that included the executives and talent behind numerous films, including “Ocean’s 12” and “Bewitched,” and celebrities like Billy Bob Thornton and the stars of “Desperate Housewives” and “The OC.” While Jamah’s clothes and bags were more about function and serving the masses, Nancy thought it would be fun to design something more unique. By the end of 2007, Jamah was evolving organically into a handbag company. Inspired by architecture, nature, and sculptures, Nancy, a self-taught designer, engaged her innovative eye and incorporated inanimate objects into her bag designs. Since then, Jamah’s designs have become distinguishable by their fusion of elegant form and rich, sophisticated colors. Fashioned from luxurious, lightweight Italian leather and hardware, Nancy’s creations are subtly trendy, yet classic. Her chic line of bags have become a must-have for Hollywood celebrities, including Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria, Carrie Underwood, Channing Tatum, and Brad Pitt. The line has been featured in the publications People, Style File, InStyle, US, and Jane, as well as on television’s Extra. According to Nancy, the trend of today and the wave of the future are “timeless-with-a-twist” designs that combine style and the knowledge that what is truly fashionable is on the inside. “What is most important is to be who you are. Personal style and comfort embody confidence and make the ultimate fashion statement whether you’re comfortably sleek, or sleekly comfortable.” MARCH thru APRIL 2010
The evolution of Jamah continues forward, as Nancy is in constant motion toward what’s next. Through trial and error, hard work, dedication, and long hours at the office, Jamah boasts a variety of lines that speak not only to women, but men as well. “Why design only for women? Men are carrying laptops and diaper bags today. Our unisex line encompasses those who share the responsibilities of life and honor a quality bag to carry it in.” To listen to Nancy describe her journey, her gentle tone remains composed and confident. She uses that soft voice in a powerful way as an advocate for entrepreneurship. “Small businesses are vital to our economy.” Recognizing, through personal experience, the challenges of owning a business, Nancy is dedicated to bringing to light the human experience of the impassioned endeavor. “I strive to inspire small business owners to never give up and to keep pursuing the road to prosperity… and to keep their dream alive.” During an interview in 2005, Nancy was asked about the contributions she would someday like to make. She replied, “I would like to help guide children in a positive way with their self-esteem, confidence, independence and beliefs; to help them live their lives with a sense of adventure and curiosity. All children should be able to live a fearless life and not feel restricted.”
The Messenger - A truly unisex bag from the World Collection
“Small businesses are vital to our economy.”
woman
“Why design only for women? Men are carrying laptops and diaper bags today. Our unisex line encompasses those who share the responsibilities of life and honor a quality bag to carry it in.” In February, 2010, she put her proverbial money where her mouth was and launched “In True Fashion,” a program created to build self-esteem and work ethics among American youth through handson participation, and to promote the value of products “Made in the USA.” In conjunction with NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship), the program brings teams of students together who compete to create a winning product that will be put into mass production and sold to the public as a new addition to the Jamah Collection. Honoring cause and commerce, a portion of the proceeds will be designated to NFTE. Through the process; Nancy believes students will cultivate their work ethic and a consciousness of their surroundings while they discover their inner talent. “They will develop skills that will help build their self-esteem and learn what it means to give back. The beauty of the movement is its inspiration... promoting that what is truly fashionable is on the inside.” So what’s next on the production line for Nancy? “Just remaining committed to my work, our products, and our new program. In between, it’s all about family and friends.” As a seasoned skydiver, Nancy’s ability to jump into the unknown only sets her free to experience new endeavors. With her rollerblades on, and living her dream by the sea, she’s designed her life with a style all its own. The Nanny - A truly unisex diaper bag from the World Collection
The Soundtrack of Southern Utah SmoothJazzUtah@gmail.com * P.O. Box 380447 * Ivins, Utah 84738