Shacqueal Major has more in the bag with latest SM Kollections drop

Handbag lovers have four new shades to add to their rotation as SM Kollection expands its signature tote line with a fresh drop designed to marry everyday functionality with timeless style. The latest release introduces the SM Kollection Tote in tan, navy blue, grey and rich burgundy, expanding the colour palette of the accessories brand while maintaining the signature design that has defined it since its November 2024 launch.

For founder Shacqueal Major, the new additions are an extension of the qualities she has sought to build into the brand from the beginning — style, quality and versatility. “The vision was to introduce fresh colours while staying true to our signature design. I wanted each bag to inspire confidence, class and timeless style,” Major told Living.

Customer feedback also helped shape the latest drop. After introducing the tote in a selection of classic colours with the brand’s debut release, Major paid attention to what customers wanted next. “I wanted a balance of timeless neutrals and bold statement shades so the bags could suit different personal styles while staying true to the brand,” she explained.

Among the options, navy blue has emerged as the current bestseller.

STYLE MEETS FUNCTION

While aesthetics are central to SM Kollection, Major’s vision extends beyond creating another fashionable accessory.

She launched the brand to meet what she saw as a need for “stylish, versatile and high-quality bags that seamlessly complement both everyday wear and special occasions”.

That versatility is reflected in the woman she designs for. “The SM Kollection woman is confident, stylish and always on the move. She loves polished statement pieces that are practical for everyday life,” Major said.

With one signature handbag design currently forming the foundation of the portfolio, Major has focused on refining the tote, paying close attention to everything from its appearance to its practicality. “Being the handbag lover that I am, I drew inspiration from a wide variety of handbags while creating my own design,” she shared. “From there, I focused on refining every detail, from the colour selection to the quality and functionality, to ensure the final product reflected the SM Kollection brand.”

THE WOMAN BEHIND THE ‘KOLLECTION’

Long before she was designing a handbag of her own, Major was buying them. Her transition from handbag enthusiast to entrepreneur began with the realisation that her interest in the accessory could become something more. “I love handbags, and so, over time, I realised I did not just want to keep buying bags; I wanted to create my own,” she said. That idea became SM Kollection in November 2024.

At 29, Major wears several hats. She describes herself as an entrepreneur, marketing manager and creative who believes in leading with “purpose, resilience and authenticity”. Beyond business, her interests include fashion, travel and creating memorable experiences. As a public figure, she hopes to use her platform to encourage authenticity, personal growth and self-belief while connecting with people in a meaningful way. “For me, the two go hand-in-hand. Having a larger public platform creates an opportunity for my business to reach a wider target audience, so it is not a difficult balance to strike,” she said.

FROM IDEA TO SOLD-OUT COLLECTION

Turning her love for handbags into a business required Major to begin thinking not only as a consumer, but as a brand owner.

One of the earliest challenges was selecting the right colours, with Major seeking to create a palette that could appeal to different personal styles while establishing a recognisable identity for the brand.

The response to that first collection offered early validation. Within two months of SM Kollection’s debut drop, the collection sold out — an achievement Major describes as her proudest milestone since launching the business. But some of her most rewarding moments have happened away from the sales figures. “One of the most memorable and rewarding moments is seeing a customer out carrying their SM Kollection signature tote,” she said. “It is always beautiful to see the brand become part of someone’s everyday life.”

MORE IN THE BAG

The signature tote may have introduced customers to SM Kollection, but Major is already preparing to broaden the brand’s offerings. A mini collection is on the horizon, alongside other pieces currently in development. “The goal is to expand beyond our signature tote while staying true to the quality and versatility that define the brand,” she said.

Her focus is on growing intentionally, introducing fresh designs and creating more ways for customers to experience SM Kollection. “The journey has been extremely rewarding so far because it allows me to tap into my creativity while generating income,” Major shared. “There are so many exciting things in store for SM Kollection, and I cannot wait for everyone to experience what is next.”

For other young women considering turning their own interests into businesses, Major shares this advice: “Start with what you have and trust your vision. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Take the first step, and learn as you grow.” For Major, that first step began with a love of handbags. Now, with a sold-out debut behind her, fresh colours added to her signature line and a mini collection on the way, there is clearly more in the bag for SM Kollection.

nyokamanning@gleanerjm.com