Comments on: Meet Jackie Cawthra Belen Echandia’s Founder and Creative Director

By: Maryann

Maryann — Sat, 23 May 2009 07:45:36 +0000

I absolutely love the BE bags and Jackie is a sweetheart. I love the fact that she communicates directly with me if I have any questions about my bag.

I laud her spirit to leave a drab career (for her) to follow her passion. I have always heard sayings that appeared cliche such as, “Do what you love and success will follow.” Well, Jackie is living proof of this.

Cheers to her!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 04 May 2009 19:02:32 +0000

Nice interview and I am happy for her success, but I am not sure why South American leathers and brands had to be put down either. I have bags from BE and from two other South American makers- all three have high and low points. I don’t think that negativity towards South American brands was necessary. There are also other companies that offer bespoke services too, as Anne pointed out.

By: Merve

Merve — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:14:21 +0000

I have to agree the site is so tacky it looks like a gossip mag.

By: Anne Byrnee

Anne Byrnee — Mon, 04 May 2009 05:17:36 +0000

ITA with Janet. BE’s CEO clearly feels the competition that South American designers such as Ignes are giving her. As far as customer service while she has many loyal fanatics many others have moved on to other companies due to issues with mixups in linings, leathers and quality control issues. What makes it worse is that as soon as someone posts anything negative, and true, right away everyone is all over her, even the moderators, when Jackie comes on the site to complain or say she is upset. I have had issues with almost every BE bag I bought and frankly in my opinion they are overated and overpriced. I have moved on and will not be buying from BE ever again.

Furthermore, yes there are many other designers who interact with their clientele. Granted not Karl Lagerfeld or Miuccia Prada for example, but I personally know of at least two others, one of whom is based in Uruguay, who give the same, if not better customer service whose bespoke bags are amazing, whose leather selection is phenomenal, who truly allows bespokes without too much of a surcharge, free delivery and free returns if a customer is unhappy and at a lower price point. I can’t wait to order my first bag from t his company.

So that’s why the South American bashing. It is not nice.

By: Janet

Janet — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:25:52 +0000

I think the article is great, and I am glad to see a female entrepreneur making it. But did she really need to put all South American designers down to make her point? Italy is great, but the bags should speak for themselves without resorting to bashing whole countries.

By: mc

mc — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:52:48 +0000

Jackie and her team provide exceptional customer services. She is innovative with her ideas, she keeps it fresh and interesting.

I do agree the website could do with an overhaul but understand it could be a cost cutting measure by doing it in house.

I see potential in her bags too but would like a little more luxury in the final details of her bags, particularly the hardware.

It’s great to see BE thriving, congrats Jackie and team.

By: Ladyee Boutique

Ladyee Boutique — Fri, 01 May 2009 04:01:24 +0000

Such cute well made bags. I MUST have one. +

By: Toni

Toni — Fri, 01 May 2009 02:45:03 +0000

I’m an avid fan of Jackie and her handbag designs. Her attention to customer service is impeccable! During the holidays, the Belenistas at the BE Forum organised their first Holiday RAOK. Jackie generously contributed to the spirit of gift giving by randomly selecting and sending to several lucky recepients her newly launched “Protect Me”. Name me one designer who is personally involved with her customers/followers? I own several of her handbags and plan to purchase more in the future.

By: Maria Elena

Maria Elena — Fri, 01 May 2009 00:07:35 +0000

Thanks so much for the wonderful interview! I loved learning more about Jackie and her amazing handbags.

By: Sarah Schwebet

Sarah Schwebet — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:38:17 +0000

The website is horrid. For such expensive bags there are too many without images which has been the case for more than a year. It is not user friendly at all, especially the supposedly new and improved bespoke section. Jackie is very lovely but many of us who used to be customers are no longer buying because there are issues that need to be addressed before we return.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:41:50 +0000

Jackie’s handbags are awesome.

By: tamara

tamara — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:22:22 +0000

the website really needs work. It’s too “bubble gum” for such expensive handbags.

By: Vlad Dusil

Vlad Dusil — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:31:08 +0000

Just fixed the link, sorry for the confusion!

By: Shannon Mahoney

Shannon Mahoney — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:31:07 +0000

Should be all set now! Sorry about that!

By: Maria Perez

Maria Perez — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:17:16 +0000

Belen Echandia has great handbags! I love Jackie´s designs.

I cant read the interview, I hope the link can be fixed soon, thanks.