When I knew I was on to something...

How soon we forget? But I never did. Sometimes all it takes is a moment to either give up or keep going.


Dear Honorable Charles xxxxxx,


Once I make it to the body of my letter, I am sure you will recall who I am as well as our first encounter with each other. After the night of Saturday September 8th 2006, I definitely will never forget you and I wanted to write a formal letter of thanks.

Early Saturday morning, I remember having to get up quite early. I had so much to do that day. The entire week, actually the entire last few months had been pretty hectic. Appointment after appointment, art exhibits, special appearances and a ton of phone calls that I needed to return, I was truly exhausted. For the last few months I have also been yearning to go home and visit my parents. The last time I was home was Christmas of 2005 and believe me, going that long without seeing my mother and father starts to wear on me day by day. Basically, I wanted to try my best and get everything I had scheduled and made a commitment to out of the way prior to me going home because I wanted to be able to go home and not worry about things left undone. One of the priorities on my list was the event you hosted on the night of the 8th of September.


About midday on Saturday, I decided to go home, take a nap and get refreshed for the nights big event. I laid out my pretty black dress, took my heels out of the closet that I totally despise wearing and thought of a cute "up do" for my hair to make the look complete. I was so excited. I was officially invited to attend "AIM", Aid to Children of Imprisoned Mothers Inc. Prior to the event, I was asked to donate an original psnob piece for the auction as well as be in attendance and I was truly honored.

In May of 1998, I graduated Cum Laude and received a Bachelors degree from North Carolina Central University. I was a proud Art major with a concentration in Visual Communications. When I graduated, like other art majors you pretty much go out on a wing and a prayer hoping find work in the art field. I honestly wanted to start my own business venture because I knew there were no limits to what I could do as an entrepreneur. In 2000 I created a company called psnob (snob). Reason being, It was somewhat a "straight at you" approach poking fun at the people who think they are "all that" but really aren't. Or people who are superficial and haven't a clue to what's really important. I also wanted to change the negative connotation of the word. I wanted to make my mark by being a "true psnob". A psnob is one who is well rounded, cultured, adventurous, ambitious, risk taking, ground breaking and doesn't allow barriers to or rules dictate who they are. I have always been proud to be a psnob and I knew I was on to something groundbreaking.

Over the course of two or three years, I perfected my product. I thought of combining my love of fine art and fashion and I created the "psnob" brand of original works of art on canvas handbags. Six years strong, I have done many art exhibits, been highlighted and acknowledged by my university's Art Department. I've been interviewed by Atlanta's Jezebel magazine, and Rolling out news. I have contributed to many organizations and sponsored many events; psnob has even organized "Operation Psnob" in support of hurricane Katrina. I have donated my time as well as shared my creativity with others more than received the much needed income that one hopes to acquire for their hard work. What makes me most proud, and takes precedence to just earning "money" is the representation of my character and what makes me the person I am, but I have to admit on the night of September 8, 2006, I had never felt so much humility and embarrassment in my life. For the first time, I felt like all of my hard work and commitment to this passion of mine had been perceived as a joke.

As you called my name, "Rebecca Robinson. Who is Rebecca, can Rebecca Robinson please come up here and explain to us what this is that you are auctioning." I grabbed my clutch bag and made my way up to the front of the room. I can see the image repeatedly in my head of you grabbing my "work of art" and holding it high in front of the attendees and saying "What in the world is this?" As I smiled and was feeling the energy of the room, I turned what you said into a positive. I thought to myself, "He doesn't know or understand what I do and that's always a great thing because now I have an opportunity to explain and talk about the history of psnob and what it's all about." But as you proceeded, and as you asked for the first bid and there was nothing but silence followed by laughter and mockery, I was simply appalled by the behavior and lack of interest of the room. I've participated in many of auctions and I have yet to be a part of a benefit auction as non professional as the one that night. As I stood there confused and nearly in tears, shaking with anxiety, I knew I had to defend myself and try to stand my ground and protect everything I have worked so hard for.

"Us, that is the problem, they're so little designers and or artist that are out there for us, so many people spend so much money on the name brands, i.e.; Coach, Fendi, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and are not supporting our own businesses. I put my own two hands on each and every single hand bag I make, each bag is a work of art, each bag is a representation of what it means to be unique, and individual, and most importantly, women who are proud to be themselves." As my defense came to a close, I recall seeing Frank Ski staring at me with confusion. The entire room staring at me with the look of confusion. As I felt the room closing in on me, I felt so alone and publicly humiliated. Surrounded by all of these prominent figures, a room full of people, mostly African American people, coming together in support of such a good cause behaving so nonchalant. I was totally embarrassed that my own people didn't show one ounce of respect and expression of satisfaction for this young, smart, and talented woman's effort and contribution. I walked into your home without a date, proud, sharp, honored, confident…the "shit" so to speak and left with the valet handing me my keys and opening my car door only to leave your driveway in tears and full of anger and disbelief.

Mr. Mathis, You or no one else has to like what I do, nor like how I look, what I believe in, politically or from a religious standpoint, but I do expect to be treated with the utmost respect.

In closing, I would like to add a little synopsis of who I am, "paint a picture" so to speak.

I am a fine artist, a writer, an activist. I am an entrepreneur, a mentor. A dancer, a musician, an actress, a humanitarian and animal lover. I am a sincere friend, a good listener. I am giving and nurturing and warm hearted. I am confident, ambitious and goal oriented. I am a great driver, especially in the crazy Atlanta traffic. I am funny and charming, I never forget a name or a face, and I always leave a vibrant impression and light up any room. I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a godmother. Mr. Mathis, I am only 32 years young. Need I say more?


Hope this letter reaches you with nothing less than good intentions as well as an important reminder of how you have taught me such a valuable lesson. Through the horrific experience that I endured that evening, it has only motivated me to keep doing what I'm doing and continue representing myself with poise and dignity, showing the world what being a psnob is all about.



Sincerely,


Rebecca Gwendolyn Robinson

It's been over a year already?

For the past year I have kept a journal of psnob's events, press, and interesting facts. I recently thought of adding an entry or two regarding a more personal perspective. Even though there have been entries that state the important details of psnob, I never want to forget the most important details...how challenging this journey has been and the things that people may not realize when it comes to making your dreams a reality.

Eight years of hard work and I am sure more to come. When I decided to embark on such a project, I had no idea what I was up against. At times people see the end result, the notoriety, the praise, the glamour side of this business. I personally am the only one who truly knows the ugly side, the frustrating side, the rejection side, the passionate side. The passion is what keeps me believing in what I am doing, and why I am doing it. Some people think it is just about the "handbags", but in actuality, it is about doing something that brings me joy, inspires others and allows the flexibility of personal growth in the form of art.

Almost one year today is when I went public with the psnob handbags. A lot of preparation went into deciding when to launch the line and so much has revolved around that day of the launch.

I would like to continue adding entries to bring everyone up to date on the other side of psnob. Maybe shed a little light on my perspective of this industry, my personal encounters, the fake and the phony, the people who admire what you do and the percentage of those who don't want you to steal their thunder.

As a business person I have played the politically correct role, but as an artist I have no role to play. I can only be true to my craft, my journey, my story.

psnob featured on the new HOTLantaBuzzOnline.com

Psnob is featured on the new HotLantabuzzonline!

With their recent launch, Hotlantabuzz recently interviewed the Atlanta based designer.

Hotlanta Buzz strives to become YOUR voice and YOUR vision of Atlanta.

www.hotlantabuzzonline.com is a space for our trendy urban community. We highlight the great places and events, who’s who, and all that this city of Atlanta has to offer. We discuss the trends in music, fashion, film, television, lifestyle topics such as relationships, health and beauty, and so much more.

Check out the psnob write up by visiting the home page feature stories or visit the fashion section of the site.

www.hotlantabuzzonline.com

psnob Holiday Special!

Bring in the New Year psnob style and purchase your Gwenny clutch today!

Whether you want one of the most unique handbags for a New Year's Party, or
maybe you are lucky enough to attend one of the Inaugural Balls...A psnob handbag
will definitely compliment your wardrobe as well as make you stand out from the rest.

From now until New Years Day psnob is offering the following:
One-Of-A-Kind handbags for $720.00 ($1200.00 regular price)
Limited Edition Prints for $300.00 ($500.00 regular price)
(FREE SHIPPING ON ALL SALE ITEMS)

Be sure to get your psnob Gwenny clutch at its limited time only sale price before the year ends.

psnob will be introducing its new collection in Spring 2009!

You may purchase by going directly to the psnob e-store http://shop.psnob.com/

All sale items will also include FREE SHIPPING!

www.psnob.com

psnob featured on purseblog.com

psnob.com featured on purseblog.com

One of the biggest fashion sites on the web featuring designer handbags has introduced psnob to their over 125,000 registered members. Generating over 55,000 visitors daily, psnob is delighted to be one of their fashion handbag picks!

Please visit today www.purseblog.com

We're Back....psnob's New York Trip!

Good afternoon psnob supporters!

I am very excited to share this particular psnob newsletter and I am sure that it is also a much anticipated newsletter for all of the psnob subscribers.

Just this past Monday I was in New York city at the Henri Bendel Open See event on 5th avenue. I had the privilege of attending this event with a friend of mine named Stephanie who was willing to battle the cold and stick it out for the love of fashion with me. I have to admit, I am still trying to come down from the high of this experience and I am so fortunate that I was able to attend.

From the day I left Atlanta to head to NY I was a nervous wreck. I didn't know what to expect. It was actually quite funny...I was pretty erratic.

I would like to share my adventure with all of you so I hope you enjoy!

Day 1 -Friday October 24th-

• I made sure to get my hair done. I didn't want to look a mess while presenting to Henri Bendel. -My friend Mellisa was so kind to hook me up, Dominican style, for my big day!
  (4 hours of styling needed, I have A lOT OF HAIR)
  
  
• Made arrangements for a pet sitter for my dog Alpacino. I had to get three different neighbors to pet sit. One of my neighbors asked me. " How do you work the leash again." Now I'm really nervous.
  

Day 2-Saturday October 25th-

• $50.00 in cash to last me for three days in New York...(no really...$50.00)
  Called a cab from my house to get to the train station in Atlanta (Cab fare $11.00)
  
• Purchased my round trip train ticket for $4.00 .
  
• Got to La Guardia Airport at 9am
  Headed out to baggage claim where the wind kicked my butt. My hair was pretty much all over the place. As I tried to find a hair tie, it kept getting worse.
  
• Stephanie is on her way from Maryland to meet me at our hotel in New Jersey. She is running late because she got caught is severe weather. She called me
  several times mentioning all the people who hydroplaned and was off in a ditch, but she was still on her way.
  
• Stephanie and I attempted to get a "good night" sleep. I am still very restless and unable to stop thinking about the event on Monday. Stephanie had
  no trouble at all getting her "sleep on".
  

Day 3- Sunday October 26th-

Stephanie and I wake up fairly early to hit the streets of Manhattan. Stephanie wanted to hit some high end boutique's as well as for me me to get some practice on speaking to store owners and buyers.

• Spent nearly two hours looking for a parking spot.
  
• Had my first taste of Hallal. A dish Stephanie suggested we eat. Great suggestion. Rice, Chicken, vege's and salad all for $4.00
  
• Had to take a bathroom break from all the walking and prepping for psnob.
  Got to Crate and Barrel and had a small episode. Started to cry for no apparent reason while Stephenie jokingly asked.. "What the hell is wrong with you."
  
• I am laughing and pretty much crying and the same time saying "I don't know." She says.."You got this, don't worry, you got this."
  
• After getting back outside and getting some air we head back to the car awaiting a $110.00 parking ticket. We both laugh.
  
• We head into Harlem to visit Stephanie's family where we are greeted with warmth and love and even some great food!
  
• Get back to Hotel in New Jersey at 11pm
  Set clock to wake up at 2:00am
  I cannot sleep...Stephanie is on her third dream

Day 4- Monday October 27th-

• I never went to sleep ( Been awake since Sunday morning at 9am)
  Stephanie and I get dressed to head into Manhattan by 4am
  
• We find parking garage on the same block as Henri Bendel ($40.00..Stephanie was so kind to cover this expense)
  
• We line up and are fortunate that we are number 20 or so in line... SWEET!!
  Stephanie buys Starbucks and we both get comfortable in our spot in line.
  







• Stephanie sleeps....I still cannot rest ( How does she do it?)
  

• 9am the doors open for the first group to present their product
  We are directed into different lines and pointed in the direction of the buyer to review the product.
  
• We have about 60 seconds to pitch.
  
• I walk up and introuduce myself and shake the buyers hand.
  The rest was a blurrrrrrrrrr
  
• The Henri Bendel open see is complete...FOR US
  
• We walk outside and at least 1000 more hopefuls are waiting in line for their 60sec opportunity.
  
• Officially faced a high end buyer head on, with confidence and determination.
  Got positive feedback.
  
• Returned to Atlanta going more than 30 hours with NO SLEEP.

Day 5- Tuesday October 28th-

• Got an email from a high end boutique in New York's SOHO to carry a few bags from the Gwenny Collection. (will disclose boutique later)
  
• Had an hour phone interview with http://www.purseblog.com/. They want to do a feature story on the psnob handbags.
  Finally get some sleep. Well, sort of...wanted to type the psnob newsletter!
  

I must say that this was one experience I will never forget. I definitely learned more than I could have ever imagined. For the past year, things have been so challenging, but have
been determined to see psnob shine. I see its growth, I envision things that I want to create, I can vividly see psnob becoming such a well known brand that it becomes a household name.

I love the fact that I am motivating young people and even the people who never dreamed of pursuing their dream of being an entrepreneur. I am so grateful for all of the lessons I have learned along the way.

I definitely have had my up's and down's, as well as many of us. All of our lives are changing right before us. But good things are going to happen, good things are going to come about by staying positive, staying true to yourself and finding the support you may need from family and friends. I don't know how I would have made it this far without that.

psnob is what keeps me laughing, smiling, crying, painting, drawing, building relationships, ended a few and most importantly, keeps me grounded.

Thank you so much for every single person who helped me make this trip to New York a success. I even returned to Atlanta with three whole dollars!!!! Now that's making your money stretch.

I am truly proud to be a psnob!

Research....Research.....

Good Morning to all psnob.com's newsletter subscribers!



We all love a good update and psnob checks in with us in her own words.





"It has been a very interesting few months, even a very interesting few days. From the election, to the economy, it seems as if everyone is in stress mode...including myself. I still try to find time to be "creative" for that is what keeps me energized and focused.



I have been taking some much needed time to come up with new ideas for future collections and concepts. I have also been preparing for the Henri Bendel Open see the end of this month. I will be sure to post pictures of the event once I return.



One reason I wanted to post this particular newsletter is because of a lot of recent research I have been doing in the past few months on "hand painted" handbags. I definitely wanted to share."


"Be sure to read, pass along to other's that may be interested, and comments are always appreciated. Thank so much for the ongoing support and I will be sure to keep everyone in the know!"



PLEASE READ ENTRY BELOW: Letter addressed to the Founder of Purseblog.com in response to the article written..."Prada Fairy Bags Bleed"



Meaghan, How are you?



In early spring I sent you a press release regarding a new line of handbags called psnob (snob). I believe you were going to do a write up, but not sure if covered it or not. The reason for my email is because I was browsing the Internet and landing on your blog. I saw the write up "Prada Fairy Bags Bleed".http://www.purseblog.com/prada/prada-fairy-bag-bleeds.htmlIt struck a cord because I have been designing, perfecting and protecting my line of handbags for years.



Even though I started my business about eight years ago,it took just about that long to figure one of the most crucial elements of a hand painted handbag. Any handbag that is made from a water based medium will be a challenge to make truly functional. Yes, in the beginning, hand painted handbags are aesthetically beautiful but what about the wear and tear? For years I did not launch the collection because I knew this was something that I had to NAIL so to speak. A company and brand as big as PRADA took a chance to make a handbag with artwork. Why? because people are tired of being hustled, they are tired of investing in brand name handbags that end up being mass produced or horrible knock offs. So what are these large designers options...go with an "art bag"....even commission an artist to put his/her work on the map by putting their creation on a "handbag"...but be careful...if you are in the business of making handbags and NOT creating art, you will be in trouble...YOU CANNOT MASS PRODUCE FINE ART AS A HANDBAG ACCESSORY UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING.



As an artist, I decided to get into fashion because I knew that I could create a product. I wanted to still paint, but would I ever be discovered at my local art gallery?Would I have to wait for a tragedy to become "famous"? Or maybe if I was lucky, Louis Vuitton and or Prada may have cut a deal with me I couldn't refuse.Well, lets just say, that didn't happen and I had to create my own empire, but I had to start somewhere and when I knew I had a secret that would put me on the map...I decided I would take my secret to the grave. psnob has tapped into a market where people are not seeing the value, intricacy of what a psnob handbag really is (just yet). It took over two years for me to create the special coating that makes a fine art piece "functional". No running, no bleeding, no cracking, no gimmicks...just the opportunity for fine art to be taken to another level. The opportunity for a person who may not even care much for art end up having a new appreciation. Or maybe the art enthusiast who never imagined carrying a fine art piece that looks like it should be hanging on their living room wall. The smaller, unknown companies like myself get hardly any credit when knowing what I have created is genius.



I have much respect for the major labels...they motivated me and set the bar.....but what's business without a little competition? If only the psnob handbag could get in the right hands, if only someone would take a moment to see the true beauty and thought that went into creating a product that would offer another niche to this already saturated market of same ol' same ol'. Indeed, there are a select few who have truly noticed what psnob is and what it will become, but I still have a ways to go and an entire market to reach. I just wanted to personally send you a note from the heart. Not a fancy press release, or a email from my "publicist"....I am just an artist trying to fit in this world of fashion.....but in my own way.



Thank you so much and I hope to hear back. Sincerely, Rebecca "The original psnob"