Meet the BSWANKY Team

Gretchen

Gretchen can usually be found devouring her collection of rare vintage Vogue magazines or visiting museums worldwide. She has found that something as abstract as an architectural stone detail in the Zojo-ji Temple or a unique piece of antique metal work from the L'Isle-sur-la-Sorque Market can provide the perfect design inspiration. Visiting traveling exhibits of her favorite fashion designers, the likes of Elsa Schiaparelli and Roberto Capucci, have inspired her to push the creative boundaries in designing wearable works of art.  

Her focus is on exceptional craftsmanship, extraordinary artistry, and the ability to hone in on the desires of her collector while giving them permission to splurge on the extraordinary.  

Be bold and be fearless, above all, never ever be boring…

Jim

Jim embarked on an exhilarating journey with BSWANKY in 2022, bringing his expertise in precision craftsmanship and impeccable quality control to the table. Hailing from Sarasota, his roots run deep in the city where he took over his family's company, Super-Sensitive Musical String Co. and Black Diamond Strings, for a remarkable two decades. After seizing an opportunity to sell his companies in 2019, Jim reached out to Gretchen to explore the compatibility of his manufacturing experience with our bespoke exotic brand.   

From musical strings to exclusive exotic handbags, Jim once again is creating something that is enriched in art, creativity and master craftsmanship.

It's not who is right, but what’s right.

Carlos

Carlos is an internationally acclaimed Cultural Change Expert, Intrapreneurial Leader and Executive Business and Life Coach working with people and organizations around the globe.  

Having met Gretchen nearly a decade ago volunteering, their similar values and desire for excellence and harmony created an unbreakable bond. As a founding member of BSWANKY, Carlos has been instrumental in Coaching the team to ensure that the culture of the organization is valued, honored and nurtured.

Believe in the power of love for it becomes you and everything else will follow.

Crissy

As our Concierge Extraordinaire, Crissy assists patrons by thoughtfully arranging behind the scenes tours, one on one bespoke design visits and intimate gatherings at our new studio and atelier.

Whether she is jet setting to meet with a collector or scheduling an over the top champagne soiree, her uncanny ability to intrinsically delve into the desires and mind of our collector makes her the perfect ambassador for our bespoke works of art.

Rhonda

Rhonda has been the woman behind the scenes performing all of the necessary administrative and bookkeeping since the very beginning. She has the uncanny ability to learn and take on any task large or small to help our organization grow and thrive. As a founding member, her standards of excellence and optimistic attitude have made her indispensable and invaluable from the very beginning.  

Never say you “can’t” in front of me! I will show you that I CAN.

Saipin

Saipin is at the helm of our team of artisans as a designer, master pattern maker and tailor with over 50 years of experience. Originally from Thailand, she began honing her craft at the age of 18 and at 22 she enrolled in a top Thai fashion school and achieved her degree in just 8 months. She then developed her own pattern-making style by combining Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese methods.  

"I love to learn new things and everything! I love to teach, and I hope to pass down my skills to aspiring designers. That's my joy!" 
– Saipin

Pedro

Pedro arrived from Cuba after having studied interior design, and step-by-step immersed himself in the exciting waters of interior design, until he became a production and quality manager at a top design center in Florida.

Now, he has awaken as in a dream that he never wants to wake up from, surrounded by the finest of arts, creating the wonders that come out of BSWANKY, which according to its name is magic come true. He is thankful for becoming part of this beautiful family.

“Always be you and expose yourself to the light and shine like a star”

Lena

Lena, originally from Ukraine, grew up learning from her mother who is a master seamstress. She started sewing dolls at a young age for her friends. After graduating from the Kharkiv University in Production Engineering she moved to the United States where she became a master costume designer.

Lena is one of the original BSWANKY artisans where both her engineering and artisanal skills have been implemented in everything from inventory control to pattern making. She is also incredibly talented with a paint brush and often adds the finishing touches to our works of art!

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

Kyle

Kyle is over the moon to be a part of such a wholesome team and gets his inspiration surrounded by empowerment, love, and artistry. His obsession with handbags brought Gretchen and Kyle together, and he couldn’t be more thankful.

“Being a part of BSWANKY has allowed me to empower my creativity, elevate my hospitality background, hone in on attention to detail, and be a part of supporting each other!”

‘You can achieve anything with kindness’