We design and make one-of-a-kind handbags including coin pouches, clutches, f***y packs, shoulder bags messenger bags, duffle bags and backpacks.
Our love of vintage and repurposed materials inspires our eclectic style. The Person Behind the Purse
Hi, my name is Mary Catherine Kunze. Yes, I am the MC in Uniquely MC! My story is ordinary enough. I was born and raised in Columbia, SC which I’ve come to appreciate and see as a good thing. Unlike some people, I never had a grand vision for my life. I’m more of an inspired dreamer than the goal
driven type. I’ve always loved to be creative; however, I did not fully tap into my creative potential until I went to college. Fresh out of high school, I headed to Winthrop where I decided to major in interior design. It seemed to me to be the most practical artsy career in the bunch, so I headed off to school ready to tackle the world of t-squares and colored pencils (among other things). College, despite being challenging and stressful, was exciting and surprisingly opened my eyes to my creative instincts. I’ve come to discover that being creative and a free bird is an innate part of who I am and who God created me to be. I graduated from college, in essence, with an unwritten book in my hands. I had no plans and the future seemed so blank and surreal. No more defined place markers in which to mark my life. So when my employers from my two part-time jobs (at the time) called me to see if I would be willing to work for them after graduation, I said yes! Now, several years later, I still work part-time at the fabric store (Fabric 101) but I am continuing to devote more and more time to Uniquely MC. Never would I have thought I would try to start a small business of my own let alone try to make it into something full-time. What had started off as a hobby has developed into, what I believe is, a calling in which I am diligently trying to pursue. The bumps and twists and turns along the way have been numerous but those things have been equally countered with God’s provision and confirmation. I know the giants of this journey are only just beginning, but I also feel God has been building me up with strength to overcome those obstacles. He has surrounded me with so many supportive people in my life that have lovingly pushed me forward and who have helped and encouraged me when I've needed it most. Despite not always knowing the next step, I know I'm learning and continuing to just "go". I’ve decided to lean in and take one step at a time, trusting God with the rest. Most of these steps are challenging and outside of my comfort zone, and I know I can't do it on my own, but that's the beauty of it. I've seen God provide in so many different ways with the people He's placed in my life and the opportunities that have come my way. I can say with confidence that He will continue to provide for my needs and hopefully use me to encourage you with your path in life. I’m excited to see what God has for me next and I hope this encourages you as you navigate what’s before you! Thanks for reading and supporting my creative expressions,
MC
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.”
Psalm 37:3-6
05/01/2024
Thank you for the shout out, Five Points !
04/22/2024
It's Mom-ism Monday! Mom and I gearing up for one of our favorite shows, Maker's Market! We can't believe it is 3 days away! Will we see you there?! Find us at the Acline Studios (132 N. Acline Ave, Lake City, SC).
Friday (4/26): 4pm-8pm
Saturday (4/27): 10am-6pm
04/15/2024
Happy Mom-ism Monday! Mom directed traffic this weekend for a little home improvement gardening! We had so much fun playing in the dirt. Mom said we should make this our new side Hustle lol. What do you think? 😉
To pay it forward I helped my parents with some gardening at their house today!
We look forward to seeing you this week! Come by & see us this week at 713 Saluda Avenue.
Tuesday- Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 11am-4pm