Where Are They Now? with Jamey and Margaret Gresham

By: Rachel Long

If you haven’t heard about J. Lowery yet, just wait; the up and coming handbag brand will be a household name before you know it. I had the honor of talking with the Ole Miss alumni and co-founders of J. Lowery about their experience as small business owners and breaking into an industry that most don’t associate with the South.

But, long before there was J. Lowery, there was just Jamey and Margaret, two girls who grew up together in Meridian, MS, became best friends and ended up at Ole Miss. They always felt like family, but when Jamey married Margaret’s first cousin, that solidified the deal.

“With our relationship growing from childhood friends into family, we’ve been told our connection is very Southern! The best thing about knowing each other for such a long time is seeing character traits in one another that have never faltered. Jamey is incredibly fearless and always has been,” Margaret states.
During their time at Ole Miss, Margaret studied Hospitality Management while Jamey studied Journalism. With a love for fashion, Margaret and Jamey didn’t know where their majors would take them but knew that they wanted to do something creative.

Jamey points out, “I grew up in a family that loved style, so I have always been surrounded by women influencing me to take risks and be bold. I think that describes my style in college, adventurous and ambitious. Your college years are a time to try new things and see what makes you feel your best. Also, it’s a time to have fun with fashion, which is so important.”

Just two childhood best friends, Jamey and Margaret, began J. Lowery after realizing that it was hard to find the perfect bag - something chic but functional, not too big, not too small, contemporary yet timeless. Several years post-grad, they began researching manufacturers and textile specialists, which would eventually turn into them starting the South’s premier handbag company.

“There are few handbag lines based in our region, and Margaret and I knew if we wanted bags that we couldn't find, others had to feel that way too. From there, we started designing, and we flew to New York shortly after that with a folder of sketches to meet with manufacturers,” says Jamey.

J. Lowery was born out of necessity, but the vision of creating versatile and beautiful bags is what fuels their creativity. The two try and stick to the idea that they are their customer. If they like something, then others most likely will too. With the focus being on functionality, the pair also never lose the vision of creating a unique bag.

Margaret shares, “Our goal is always to create bags that are versatile and can fit into a wide variety of personal styles. When we start designing, we make sure the bag we’re working on is something we would both want to wear. I’m a little more minimal while Jamey is the edgier one, so we always strive for that balanced mix. I think we’ve done a good job so far of marrying both of our styles, and we’re excited to continue building on that!”

Looking at a J. Lowery bag, you would think that Jamey and Margaret went to school in textiles and manufacturing - from the wonderfully curated color palettes, textures, and hardware - but the two learned everything on the job.

“Those early stages are the true test. You have to have a great amount of trust in your vision but also in the process and the many steps it takes to get started,” Jamey says, “If you don’t have the foundation set: the correct materials, a strong vendor network, a manufacturer you trust and can collaborate with, then you cannot move forward confidently. We began by educating ourselves as much as possible about the industry, materials, and manufacturing. Along with that, we spent endless hours building out our brand strategies.”

The launch of the brand in 2019 has catapulted Jamey and Margaret into a non-stop journey of growth. From Lily Collins being spotted wearing their handbag the Max mini, to Southern Living featuring the pair as 2020 Southern Tastemaker, Jamey and Margaret aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Even though they could move their offices to a big city with potentially more exposure, they have found that the South, their home, has provided them with the community they needed to propel their brand forward.

“We would love to be a household name in contemporary handbags,” says Margaret, “especially in our region—I want J. LOWERY to be the main handbag line you think of when you think of a line based in the Southeast.”

Margaret and Jamey are an inspiration to anyone wanting to start their brand after college or a few years down the road. Just starting somewhere with the skills they had was the best thing they advise college students to do when trying to begin a career, a company, or move after college.

Jamey encourages, “Remember all good things take time. Even if it isn’t your forever job, just get started and get moving. Take all opportunities and promise yourself you will work harder than anyone else. Every experience you gain is one in your favor.

So whether you want to start a handbag company, a small business, a new career, or a new major, focus on the good. Try everything, and realize that hard work pays off, and good things always come to those who wait.

It was such a joy talking to Margaret and Jamey for this part of “Where Are They Now?.” If you want to learn more about J. Lowery and stay up to date on their bags and new releases, follow them on Instagram @shopjlowery, and on their website shopjlowery.com.