When Gena Smith and her husband, Mike, sat down for dinner in 2017, they weren't searching for their next business venture. They were searching for a way to better support their son, Jackson, who has Down Syndrome.
With occupational therapy, physical therapy, reading intervention, and copious appointments, the costs of giving Jackson every opportunity to thrive continued to mount. That evening, one simple observation inspired an idea.
"My husband looked around the restaurant and said, 'Everybody is carrying handbags,'" Gena recalls.
The couple envisioned something that would be different than already on the market. These handbags would reflect Jackson's joyful personality while withstanding everyday life.
"We wanted to make something whimsical, fun, and indestructible," recalls Gena, with a smile.
Inspired by the durable material of the Crocs shoes Jackson loved, they created med•lē Handbags, a collection of customizable handbags fashioned from lightweight, easy-to-clean EVA material. Each design features interchangeable bodies, handles, and liners, allowing customers to create various looks from a single bag.
"We didn't want it to be boring," Gena says. "Jackson is vibrant and expressive. We wanted his personality to shine through everything we created."
The response was immediate. Following a successful 2018 fashion show featuring local designers, med•lē expanded into boutiques across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana while showcasing collections at the Dallas Market Center and the Galleria Houston. Momentum was building until the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly closed retail opportunities.
"COVID devastated med•lē Handbags, but it didn't kill it," Gena says.
Rather than walking away, the Smith family kept moving forward. Today, the handbags are available online and through Gena's Planet Beach wellness studio, with every purchase continuing to support Jackson's specialized needs.
"We never gave up," she says. "The business was never just about handbags. It was always about helping Jackson."
This sentiment remains stitched into every detail. The company itself is named after the couple's daughter, Medley, ensuring both children are represented in the family's story.
"If you have a dream, share it with people," she says. "You don't know who they know or how they'll help. We couldn't have done this alone."
To explore the full med•lē collection or create a handbag that's uniquely your own, visit ShopMedLe.com.
"We wanted to make something whimsical, fun, and indestructible."—Gena Smith