New Jersey's Handbag Designer
Anthony Benevenia emigrated from a small village on the southern coast of Italy to industrial Newark, New Jersey, spending his days as a luxury men's tailor at the renowned American Shops on Broad Street. His great granddaughter, Cara Benevenia, has carried on her family's legacy, designing and manufacturing quality handbags right here in New Jersey!
Segment 1
Cara takes us through her background going through Marist College's fashion design program. There were difficult times, Cara actually failed out of the program her sophomore year. But by her senior year, Cara received the highest award at graduation by creating the most outstanding collection. Then she started working in the fashion industry, working various jobs before deciding to go out on her own.
Today in New Jersey History
It was on June 27, 1862 that the First New Jersey Brigade, composed of the First, Second, Third and Fourth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiments, fought its first major engagement of the Civil War at Gaines Mill, Virginia. The brigade arrived on the field in the late afternoon to reinforce the hard pressed Union forces. Of the 2,300 men the brigade brought to the battle, 1,072 were killed, wounded or captured. The captured included most of the men of the Fourth New Jersey, surrounded as the units to their left and right withdrew.
Segment 2
We learn about how Cara's handbags are made and how she put together her designs. We also go through the different bags and how they've evolved over the last couple of years.
New Jersey Fun Fact
The Cohansey Aquifer in the Pine Barrens contains 17 trillion gallons of water or enough to cover new Jersey with 10 feet of water.
Segment 3
Cara is always giving back to different communities, whether its at her alma maters, like Marist or Villa Walsh. She speaks to current students detailing her life and career. She is also passionate about keeping the production of her handbags here in New Jersey, using local artisans to manufacture her products.
Cara Benevenia: https://carabenevenia.com/
Instagram: @carabenevenia
Thank you to our sponsors:
Albert & Whitney CPAs: awcpasllc.com
Silver Stream Studio: @silverstreamstudionj
Contact the show: mike@greetingsfromthegardenstate.com
