Flipbags are available in New York City at the Emmett McCarthy Boutique "EMc2" located at 240 Elizabeth Street, between Houston and Price Streets.

Tel: 212 431 4134

Hours:
Mon - Thu & Sat: 11am-7pm
Fri: 11am - 8pm
Sun: Noon - 6pm

Drinking (just tasting) for a cause!

I am always up to supporting a great cause. Recently, I was fortunate to experience an amazing wine tasting event at Valbella Restaurant in the Meat Packing District in New York City. David Ghatanfard, Owner of the famous restaurant is committed to hosting an annual fundraiser to benefit The National Fragile X Foundation.

The National Fragile X Foundation was founded in 1984 to support individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS), their families, and the professionals who work with them. The organization offers a toll-free phone line and email support; educational through an extensive website, quarterly journal and other publications; and awareness activities throughout the country.

What is Fragile X?

Fragile X is a family of conditions associated with changes in the Fragile X gene. The gene can be normal, but it can also exhibit a "premutation" or a "full mutation." When a premutation or full mutation is present, it can result in a Fragile X-associated condition. These include:

- Fragile X syndrome (FXS): An inherited condition affecting intellectual, behavioral and social development. It occurs in both males and females who have full mutation of the FMR1 gene.

- Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI): A condition affecting ovarian function that occurs in some adult females who have a premutation of the FMR1 gene.

- Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS): An adult (over 50 years of age) neurological condition causing tremors, memory and balance problems. It occurs in some adult carriers (more commonly in males).

Next year, Flipbags will be part of this event.

For more information contact:

The National Fragile X Foundation

1-800-688-8765

P.O. Box 37 - Walnut Creek, CA 94597

WWW.FRAGILEX.ORG

Finding Inspiration

I recently visited the Dominican Republic. I was lucky enough to have stayed at Casa de Campo, a prestigious 7,000-acre hotel, resort and residential community where celebrities, financiers and politically influential families have their second home. This was not my first time at Casa de Campo.

I love nature and as many know, the Caribbean is rich with bright colors from its beautiful ocean to flowers, grass, stars and sky. How can I not find inspiration being surrounded by such magical beauty? This trip however was different, inspiration came from visiting an all-girls orphanage in La Romana. I came face to face with beauty, over and over. These girls ranging from all ages were happy, authentic and full of life. They live the moment, forgive their past and share their love and compassion with one another.

As the plane landed back in the United States, I thanked the Universe for all the things in my life I sometimes take for granted. I look forward to seeing these girls again in the near future.

Always A Student

I was recently asked by my high school Principal to be the guest speaker at the 2010 Senior Award Ceremony. Without hesitation, I accepted.

For me, it was a challenge and also an opportunity to meet many young men and women as they get ready to launch life after high school. Murry Bergtraum High School in New York City has always been a place close to my heart. Walking those hallways made me think of the community of teachers and friends I built and my beloved volleyball team. As I approached the auditorium I automatically went back to the time when I was a high school student myself. Back then everything was possible (not that it’s been so long!) and there was no fear whatsoever to talk about my goals and dreams.

One of the key points I shared with the graduating class of 2010 is the importance of finding mentors. I can go on and on about all the mentors I met over the years who helped me become the person I am today. While making this point, I came to the realization that I want to live my life as “a student.” When we do, we see endless possibilities with every opportunity. We are humble. We are not afraid to fail and try again.

Welcome to my Blog

Dear friends,

Welcome to my blog! I am so excited to launch my website and share with you my journey into entrepreneurship! Please check back as I will be updating my blog frequently.

The Sky is the limit!

Amalia

I have always been a creative person and like many women - a handbag lover. Several years ago my love of handbags, led me to conceive of an idea for an innovative interchangeable handbag. In 2010, I licensed that idea to a large accessory brand. Now I am excited to bring you my newest creation, The Flipbag.

Prior to entering the world of accessory design, I worked in the entertainment industry. I got my start as a project manager in New York City’s vibrant music scene. Over the years, I have worked with a high-profile group of artists including Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Anthony, Ricky Martin, Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, among others. I then transitioned into Television as a News Reporter for Univision in Denver, Colorado. As a Journalist, I was fortunate to interview influential political figures including Laura Bush, Elaine Lan Chao, Senator Ken Salazar, Senator John Edwards, Elizabeth Edwards, Teresa Heinz Kerry, Federico Pena, Pete Coors, Dolores Huerta and Eva Longoria (Actress and Activist). Working with all those celebrities was rewarding, exciting and challenging but not nearly as exciting, challenging and rewarding as being an entrepreneur in New York City.

Today I am active with Ladies Who Launch, the first new media company to provide resources and connections for women entrepreneurs. Ladies Who Launch has been instrumental in my journey as an accessory entrepreneur. I am also a member of WEN (Women Entrepreneurs Network) at the Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center at Columbia University and a member of LIMA: The International Licensing Industry Merchandiser’s Association.

I am currently working on expanding my line and I’m looking forward to creating more fashionable accessories to make women’s lives easier. I’m confident you’ll enjoy my Flipbag.