Libertyville firm LexiWynn finds that success is in the bag

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Susan Julian of Libertyville decides on one of the designs of the LexiWynn purse while shopping with her friend Jennifer April. Julian and April were picking patterns and styles from the LexiWynn showroom in Libertyville.| Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

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Updated: July 28, 2011 3:28AM

A few years ago, Alexa Holzwarth started making her own purses and handbags out of her home because she wasn’t happy with the choices that were available in the stores.

Soon, many of her friends and acquaintances began commenting on how much they liked her home-made purses and bags and wanted their own. Holzwarth was looking to start her own business and, in 2006, she founded LexiWynn, which makes custom-made purses and handbags for women.

“It just kind of took off from there as word spread,” she said.

After about four years of running the business out of the home, Holzwarth’s husband, Seth, joined the business full-time and in August 2010 they leased a small manufacturing facility on Second Street in Libertyville to expand operations. The company now employs three full-time seamstresses and three part-time employees and has 11 design consultants who sell their products. The business is now making about 50 custom-made purses and handbags a week, and demand continues to grow.

“It’s been a busy, crazy year for us but it’s fun,” said Seth Holzwarth. “Literally, a year ago we were in our garage and basement making bags.”

LexiWynn is targeted at women who are looking for that unique purse or handbag, unlike the mass-produced bags commonly found in many large retail stores. Customers can choose from 20 design patterns, more than 50 different fabric, leather or vinyl offerings, and a variety of colors.

‘Own style’

“I think people like to be able to pick their own fabric and own style that fits them,” said Alexa Holzwarth.

Most of the marketing of the product is done through word of mouth and with the help of LexiWynn’s design consultants, who organize house parties where women can view different styles of bags and purchase products if they want.

Jodi Kristopher, a LexiWynn design consultant in Libertyville, said typically about 15 women will have a party at a home and she or another design consultant will show them the different designs, styles and color schemes that are possible.

“It’s a fun process,” she said. “There’s no pressure.”

LexiWynn makes everything from small wristlets and clutches, to standard-sized purses, tote bags, shopping bags, beach bags, and even diaper bags, Kristopher said.

Last week, Kristopher met with a small group of teachers from Copeland Manor School at the LexiWynn facility in Libertyville to show them a few of the product offerings.

Susie Julian of Libertyville, one of the teachers, said she learned about LexiWynn from some other teachers at her school and wanted to get a personalized tote bag for work. “I’m excited I can make my own,” she said.

Another teacher, Jen April, said she decided to buy a custom purse from LexiWynn. “The choices that you have in designing your own purse is nice,” she said. “You’re not just buying something that somebody else designed.”

It generally takes between three to four weeks to manufacturer a custom-made bag once an order is placed. Bags can range in price between $30 and $200 depending on the type of bag and style customers want. Customers can also purchase a select number of pre-designed bags from the company’s website at www.lexiwynn.com or at the company’s workroom facility at 627 Second St. The company has begun prototyping messenger bags for males.

Seth Holzwarth said the company is hoping to expand its presence in other states and already has design consultants in California, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Washington State and Georgia.

“Our vision is that this would become a national presence manufactured out of Libertyville,” he said.

Persons who would like more information about LexiWynn can visit www.lexiwynn.com, on Facebook at Facebook.com/lexiwynn or can call (847) 393-6121.