A Patricia Nash creation is easy to spot on the store shelf.
"It's like a vintage bag that's designed for today's woman,” says Patricia Nash.
Every bag is complete with her signature style of leather embellishments, tooling and lacing.
"We really do look unique," she said.
Patricia Nash would know. She’s spent her career in the industry
“I did it for other people and other brands over the years. And, when I turned 50, everyone kept saying, 'Why don't you do your own brand?' And, I kept saying, 'Not until I have something really really special,'" she recalled.
Then, Nash discovered a leather bag of her mother's.
“And it just kind of hit me - if I could recreate this feeling and really bring back that craftsmanship that's been lost that would be kind of cool and that's what I tried to stay true to," she said.
It's certainly paid off!
“We're in all the Dillard's stores, majority of Macey's, Lord & Taylor," she said.
And the list goes on.
“I was shocked to learn this year we're the number five in the country for the handbag designer brand. It's wild the company we share," Nash said.
This year, Nash discovered a very profitable market on the Home Shopping Network.
“I couldn't believe it! We were 98 percent sold out the first day we were there," she said.
Every few months, she sells the Patricia Nash story in a Florida studio branded just for her.
“You're really selling a lot of product very fast. I have like four-hour shows and sometimes five and six a day," she said.
But no place in the world showcases the collection quite like the showroom floor of the company's Knoxville headquarters, which is a work of art in itself.
“I love coming to work every day!” Nash said.
Nash's husband is to thank for the space. On the edge of downtown, he beautifully restored the now headquarters.
“He kept as much of the original flooring and facade as he could. And then, he really wanted to bring back that old world rustic European feel that would go with the brand," Nash said.
It houses a showroom, e-commerce distribution, cooperate headquarters and the creative and design studios.
“All of it is done here in Knoxville," Nash said. "Most of our collections are based on my travels abroad.”
Cuba, Paris, Milan - Nash loves to vintage shop. That's where she finds her inspiration.
“It's usually like an old dress or something, and it just kind of grows from there," she said.
Often with design boards in tow, Patricia travels back and forth between the Knoxville headquarters and the tanneries and manufacturer overseas.
In addition to handbags and accessories, the men's line is doing well, and so is her newest venture - footwear.
“I really wanted to do some nice, casual, beautiful leather shoes that were also comfortable," she said.
Patricia Nash is always dreaming, but not quite sure what new accessory she'll design next.
“We get asked to do a lot of things from clothing, housewares and gift items and I'm just like, lets just get a little bit of air. I think I’m doing all I can do at this point," she said.
Patricia Nash Designs has a growing footprint on Amazon, and in Japan, Australia and in Canada.
Nash has also designed special boots and bags inspired by the new movie, "Murder on the Orient Express" coming to theaters Nov. 10. She’ll be on the Home Shopping Network on Nov. 2 with the Hollywood-inspired designs.