Behind The Print: K-Carroll Accessories, Meet the Personalities Behind the Handbags
Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode of Behind the Print, I sit down with the team from K. Carroll Accessories, owner Kelly Burgin, designer Abigail Fitch, and wholesale manager Jennifer Sloan. Known for their stylish, affordable handbags, K. Carroll is a women-led brand blending fashion, function, and thoughtful design. We explore their journey from a garage startup to national features on Oprah’s Favorite Things and Good Morning America, the creative process behind their product lines, and how print plays a vital role in their catalogs, packaging, and brand presence.
Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.
7-minute read
“You can create anything. Come up with an idea and run with it.” Kelly Burgin K. Carroll Owner
Transcripts from Behind The Print with K. Carroll Accessories Group
Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.
Today’s episode is K-Carroll accessories, Meet the Personalities Behind the Handbags, and I’m joined by Abigail Fitch, their designer; Kelly Burgin, the owner and product manager; and Jennifer Sloan, their wholesale manager.
All: Hi!!!
Zoe Fisher: Let’s go back to 2002 in your garage. What inspired you to start K. Carroll Accessories?
Kelly Burgin: It’s a lemons to lemonade story. I lost my job when the company I worked for got bought out. I had three little kids and wanted to start something of my own. We began in accessories, and over time it evolved into retail handbags and both men’s and women’s accessories. We now sell directly to consumers and wholesale to boutiques across the country.
Zoe Fisher: Who’s your typical customer?
Kelly Burgin: It ranges from ages 15 to 100. Our core customer is probably in the 30 to 60 range, but we’re reaching younger audiences too, thanks to TikTok and help from our daughters.
Abigail Fitch: It’s tough to market to such a wide range, but we try to have fun with it and see what people respond to.
“It’s tough mixing the marketing though to, adhere to what everyone wants to see and fit every style. So it’s kind of a journey to see what people respond to, but we like having fun with it and just creating and seeing what people enjoy.” Abigail Fitch, Designer
Zoe Fisher: Your catalogs hooked me. I want every single bag.
Kelly Burgin: That’s the idea! Our prices are in the $30 to $50 range. You don’t have to spend $1,200 for a designer bag. You can afford a few of ours.
Zoe Fisher: It still feels like designer-level quality. What’s worked for you in reaching that younger market?
Kelly Burgin: It’s about understanding what they want—what’s trending on socials, what styles they like. Abigail helps with that generational insight.
Jennifer Sloan: Trends are funny. What’s old is new again. Everything comes back. We’re seeing 80s styles return, like the magic eight ball. We’re even designing accessories around it.
Abigail Fitch: I see trends like that everywhere. It’s timeless and fun.
Zoe Fisher: It seems like your brand isn’t about age. It’s about lifestyle. You have bags for students, working professionals, and everyone in between.
Kelly Burgin: Exactly. My daughter uses our large tote for college. I use it for my laptop. Jen brings her lunch in it. It’s all about function for different lifestyles.
Zoe Fisher: What do your products help women feel confident about?
Kelly Burgin: We focus on features. We add D-rings for keys, credit card sleeves, and thoughtful details. As women designing for women, we think about what makes a bag useful and stylish.
Abigail Fitch: Functionality is huge. I want something that helps me get through my day, not just look good.
Zoe Fisher: That intentional design really shows. Can you walk me through the design process?
Kelly Burgin: Inspiration comes from anywhere. Even my husband taking photos of strangers’ bags! We get ideas from what we see in real life and from trends.
Zoe Fisher: What’s the heart of what makes K. Carroll unique?
Kelly Burgin: It’s the team. We’re a close-knit group of women. We care about each other and enjoy working together. That shows in the product.
Jennifer Sloan: We’re friends as much as coworkers. We want the best for each other.
Abigail Fitch: People say their workplace is like family, but here it truly is. These are my besties.
Zoe Fisher: What’s been your “I can’t believe this is my life” moment?
“Scale slow. Don’t scale too quickly. And honestly, you’ve just gotta surround yourself with the right people.” Kelly Burgin, K. Carroll Owner
Abigail Fitch: Being part of Oprah’s Favorite Things. It was surreal seeing my work go national.
Kelly Burgin: Abby is the face of everything we do—catalogs, website, postcards. Oprah recognizing that work was huge.
Jennifer Sloan: For me, it’s when the trailers show up. Seeing all our product come in. It’s a full-circle moment. We do it all ourselves.
Zoe Fisher: What advice would you give a small business owner trying to scale?
Kelly Burgin: Scale slowly. Surround yourself with the right people. Be ready to pivot when things change. Our wholesalers started asking for lower-priced, giftable items, so we adjusted.
Zoe Fisher: Have there been moments where you wanted to give up?
Kelly Burgin: Every two years! But those low moments are when I’m most productive. You have to adjust, refocus, and find new ways to move forward.
Abigail Fitch: Those moments light the fire. They push you to think creatively and not get too comfortable.
Zoe Fisher: What’s surprised you about running a women-owned accessories business today?
Kelly Burgin: Honestly, nothing. Women can do anything. We multitask and just get it done.
Jennifer Sloan: We go to market, move boxes, do everything ourselves. There’s no difference.
Zoe Fisher: Have you had any standout launches or events?
Kelly Burgin: I’m going to be on Good Morning America in Times Square! We’ve also been on Oprah’s Favorite Things five times, The View, Tamron Hall. It’s been amazing.
Jennifer Sloan: And we’ve been recognized as one of Michigan’s top businesses to watch.
Zoe Fisher: Any current challenges?
Kelly Burgin: Tariffs. They’re unpredictable and can go from $7K to $27K for the same shipment. We’re holding off on some imports until things settle.
Zoe Fisher: Tell me about a team moment that made you proud to be the owner.
Kelly Burgin: I love when we do things together like spa days, holiday lunches, trips to my cottage. It builds connection.
“Be able to pivot… If all I ever did was make a big tote bag, we’d have been out of business 20 years ago.” Kelly Burgin, Owner
Jennifer Sloan: She spoils us! One Christmas she booked spa treatments for everyone.
Abigail Fitch: She keeps doing stuff and I’m like, okay, we get it, you love us.
Zoe Fisher: That kind of culture means everything. What dreams do you still have for K. Carroll?
Kelly Burgin: Keep growing and learning. My daughter’s helping with new lines, and Abby’s diving into sales.
Abigail Fitch: It’s a challenge, but exciting. I never saw myself in sales, but now I’m learning and thriving.
Zoe Fisher: What legacy do you want to leave for future women entrepreneurs?
Kelly Burgin: That you can create anything. Start small and build.
Abigail Fitch: You don’t need luxury to have impact. You don’t need to be Chanel to have meaning. We want people to feel good without struggling to afford it.
Zoe Fisher: Jennifer, what are retailers looking for right now?
Jennifer Sloan: They’re buying smaller quantities of proven sellers. Our staple items keep them coming back.
Zoe Fisher: Just for fun—if you had a free day, how would you spend it?
Jennifer Sloan: On a beach!
Kelly Burgin: Same. Sunshine and maybe a beer.
Abigail Fitch: Honestly, missing my friends and coworkers. I’d come to the beach with them.
Zoe Fisher: Adorable. What’s the best way to support your work?
“I think our retailers are looking for items that could sell right now at a good price point that aren’t way out of their market. So they’re buying a little bit smaller and a little bit safer and they keep coming back.” Jennifer Sloan, Wholesale Manager
Kelly Burgin: Visit our website, sign up for K. Carroll emails, check out our sales or blog, and follow us on socials. We share products and a bit of our personality there too.
Zoe Fisher: That website looks amazing. Clean and easy to navigate. Great job, Abby.
Jennifer Sloan: Thank you!
Zoe Fisher: Check them out on their website and social media!
That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind The Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, have a strong vision, build the right strategy, and use tools like print to amplify your message and make your brand stand out.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from PrintingCenterUSA.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.
Approach to Function
From luxury totes to wallet-friendly accessories, K. Carroll Accessories shows that print can be practical and polished. Founder Kelly Burgin, designer Abigail Fitch, and wholesale manager Jennifer Sloan shared how their team brings style, function, and heart to every design. For K. Carroll, custom printing elevates catalogs giving retailers and customers a true feel for the brand. Whether you’re launching a new line or building customer trust, professional print helps turn your vision into something people can hold onto. Order today!
