Just a few years ago, you had to rustle around your purse blindly grabbing objects to determine their whereabouts. Now, companies like Glass Handbag make life easy with built-in light panels in their purses. Third Wave Fashion spoke to their designer Tamara Leuty, who proves to be a true maker.

When I was as young as a teenager, it occurred to me that a light inside a handbag would be beyond ideal. As the years went on, my frustration with rummaging through the black hole to find what I needed when I needed it became way too great. I got tired of waiting for someone else to make this type of bag, and went ahead and decided to do it myself. So I began the journey of research and development. I quickly fell in love with this process which would go on for multiple years until the technology and designs were truly perfect.

One look at Glass Handbag’s site, and you quickly see that they do not rely on illumination as the selling point of their bags. Their styles have one thing in common–they are all rich in texture. You’ll find laser-cut leather with diamond shapes, bumpy faux Ostrich leather and metallic pieces that look like bent shiny air conditioner vents. So, whether it is a classic business meeting or an edgy party, you are bound to find something that is right for the outfit. Behind the fashionable exterior, there is also some smart choices in the interior, like reflective material that helps spread the light, as well as pockets for storage. It is all part of Tamara’s plan.

I work really hard to make the bags unique. I don’t want to follow the trends, I want to make the trends, or just challenge myself. For me there is no point in making a common looking bag. I love it when people say to me something like, “I have never seen a bag like that.” The light function is really just the icing on top.

For those that are serious about start-ups, there is a lot to gain from this story. You can start by solving a problem, but that one solution doesn’t guarantee a successful product. You have to be ready to expand on your idea and you have to be sure that you are creating something that has appeal across a few markets. It seems that Glass Bag is continuing its success by staying imaginative with their designs and creating purses for many types of women.

You are probably cringing right now as you look over at your large dark purse. Don’t let your keys get away with any more hiding. You can stitch your own light panel with our Interior Purse Light tutorial. You can use a GEMMA and some sequins as suggested, or you can get a little bolder with some NeoPixels. Either way your life is about to be a few shades brighter.

Every Wednesday is Wearable Wednesday here at Adafruit! We’re bringing you the blinkiest, most fashionable, innovative, and useful wearables from around the web and in our own original projects featuring our wearable Arduino-compatible platform, FLORA. Be sure to post up your wearables projects in the forums or send us a link and you might be featured here on Wearable Wednesday!