North Carolina Sisters Launch New Lifestyle Brand, Boatgirl

Blowing Rock, NC, (January 23, 2019) — Sisters Leslie and Paige Temple never thought they would become entrepreneurs until they happened upon the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Spending more and more time on the beautiful sandy beaches and on the water, they became increasingly frustrated by the available women’s bags on the market. Why weren’t they water resistant, when the ones aimed at men were? Why couldn’t they stay upright so they wouldn’t lose their belongings? And why did they just not look good? Boatgirl was born.

Debuting their first full line of durable yet sophisticated weekend, tote and crossbody bags this Spring (2019), the brand – owned and operated by the Temple sisters – is looking to change up what’s available for active women on the market.

“We were tired of settling for the bags that were clearly just a ‘spin off’ of the men’s line,” said Leslie, a graphic designer based in Blowing Rock, NC. “They all just applied a ‘pink it and shrink it approach’ that involves making the product both smaller and a more feminine color – like pink. We knew we could do better.”

The pair started batting around ideas for a line of chic bags that are durable and dependable for women who are active in and around the water. They visualized their brand namesake, a ‘boatgirl’, as women like themselves – adventurous, independent, strong, and motivated. The result is a stand-out line of bags with exceptional design and style that allow women to get through their day and enjoy their adventures with a dependable, stylish bag. Most importantly, they have made bags they would actually use themselves.

“The Boatgirl bag collection is designed for active women who work hard and play hard both on and off the water,” says Paige, a pediatric psychologist who calls Tarboro, NC home.

Because the sisters are both committed to supporting their state and national economies, Boatgirl has partnered with Sew Co. in Hendersonville, NC to manufacture their bags. Sew Co. is a small, women-owned and run manufacturing company who pay their employees a living wage, have recycled an abandoned plant into a working factory, and are committed to making high-quality products.

Each bag in the Boatgirl Bag Collection is sewn using Sunbrella® marine canvas, a fabric known for quality, sustainability, and performance. Using Sunbrella canvas, combined with other materials sourced for exceptional design and durability, Boatgirl has created an innovative new product line specifically for women. The high-quality materials also mean the products will last.

“Who builds our bags, and the materials we use are super important to us,” acknowledges Leslie. “Not only is this great for the consumer, but knowing your bags will last a lifetime is also kind to our environment with less trash in our landfills, oceans and rivers.”

Already making a splash, the Boatgirl Weekender Bag recently won Honorable Mention in Our State’s Magazine’s Made in NC awards. For more information about Boatgirl including detailed product descriptions, photos and general info, visit www.goboatgirl.com.

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About Boatgirl

Boatgirl is a standout new line of bags designed by sisters Paige and Leslie Temple. The brand’s design philosophy originated from a desire to provide the rugged construction needed for harsh water conditions into a versatile and attractive bag to accompany any woman on any adventure, wherever that may be. Where you go, we go. Join the conversation at @goboatgirl.