The Full Story
About
Hi there! I’m Kerry, the maker, dreamer, and everything in between behind Lilly & Jude.
What started as a simple, heartfelt project—making bags for my best friends for Christmas—quickly spiraled into a full-blown obsession with craftsmanship and creativity. At first, my brand went by the name Purple Jam, a playful nod to my obsession with Prince and an earlier, more experimental days selling t-shirts and notebooks on Amazon. But as I honed my skills and refined my vision, it became clear that the name Purple Jam just didn’t fit.
It was time for a change—something more meaningful, something with roots.
The Name with a Legacy
Given that my name is Kerry, you’re probably wondering where the business name came from.
Lilly & Jude is more than just a brand name; it’s a tribute to the strong, loving women in my life.
My grandmothers, both named Lillian, and my mum, Judith (Jude to her friends), were the pillars of my world. I was devastated when each of them passed - especially my mum, Jude, who passed away in 2023.
Their strength, love, and joy continue to inspire me every day. Naming my brand after them is my way of keeping their legacy alive—through every stitch, every design, and every decision I make. This change marked an emotional milestone for me, giving my work a deeper connection and purpose.
From Landfill to Luxury
My journey into bag-making started with a pair of old jeans and a couple of upholstery fabric scraps—simple materials that sparked something much bigger.I wanted to create something special for my friends, and those first handmade bags were the beginning of it all. A few months later, I connected with a new friend and fellow maker in the bag-making community who had access to some stunning leather. When she told me it was destined for landfill (outrageous, right?!), I knew I had to do something. I bought those offcuts, invested in an industrial sewing machine, and the rest, as they say, is history!Now, I’m all about turning would-be waste into beautiful, sustainable bags that are as unique as the people who carry them.
In fact, we give 5 of them!
The Mission: We Give an F (And No, It’s Not That Kind)
At Lilly & Jude, we’re all about giving an F—though let’s be real, we’re not beyond a cheeky bit of swearing when the occasion calls for it, (my mum was a master of rolling out a stream of expletives, especially when her Yorkshire puddings didn’t rise!) but when it comes to our mission, the F’s we’re talking about aren’t curse words—they’re shorthand for what really drives us:
Our Ethos
Let’s face it—life’s too short to carry crap bags or to
give your loved ones rubbish gifts!
Your purchases should spark joy, make you smile, and maybe even earn a cheeky compliment or two. Whether it’s a leather bag crafted in-house or a specially selected gift, everything on our site has to be fun or fancy. We add a touch of playfulness to every piece, because we believe that fun is always in fashion.
We’re all about loving our planet while loving our style.
Our bags are made from rescued leather, giving it a second chance to shine instead of heading to landfill. It’s luxury with a conscience, and that’s something we think everyone can get behind. It’s not just our products - we’re friendly too! We believe in good vibes, great customer service, and creating a shopping experience that feels more like catching up with an old friend than doing business. After all, it’s nice to be nice!
We believe in fairness at every stage of our process. That’s why we carefully select our supplies from female-run businesses and those that support projects aimed at empowering women both in the UK and abroad. We proudly source from suppliers dedicated to ethical trade and sustainability, who not only focus on producing eco-friendly products but also actively support marginalised communities, helping women achieve economic self-sufficiency and independence.
We’re all about inclusivity here, supporting anyone who identifies with femininity, whether they’re born with it or claim it later in life. Our mission is to create products that empower, celebrate, and elevate those who carry them, no matter their journey. At Lilly & Jude, we believe that strength and grace come in all forms, and we’re here for everyone who embodies these qualities. We champion women in all their diversity, from the suppliers we partner with to the customers we serve. We’re proud to be a female-led brand that’s as dynamic, resilient, and inspiring as the women who raised us and those we stand beside every day.
We don’t do things by halves. Every piece we create is designed to be as fabulous as you are. If it’s not something we’d be proud to carry ourselves, it doesn’t make it out of the studio. After all, life’s too short for anything less than fabulous! Our bags are all about that perfect blend of style, function, and a sprinkle of magic. Whether you’re going to work, running errands or hitting the town, our bags are designed to make you feel unstoppable. Because when you carry fabulous, you carry confidence—and that’s the kind of energy we’re all about!
Now you know a little bit more about me, my story, and what inspires each creation. I’m passionate about crafting unique, eco-conscious leather bags that you’ll love to use every day.
Why not take a look at the fabulous collection I’ve carefully put together just for you? Head over to my shop and find the perfect piece waiting for you!
