I have had the pleasure of knowing a remarkably talented woman for quite a while. You know the type, she can do everything... well. I decided to ask her a few questions to find out how she got where she is now. Here she is with her son J'on Simpson, daughter India.Arie and granddaughter Harper.

Arwen Fine - When did you start on your creative path?
Simpson - I received my Kenmore Sewing Machine for Christmas when I was around 9 years old...I started making clothes for my Barbie, like a lot of designers did :-) So when I was around 14 years old, I made this cute orange jumpsuit for myself. I met this guy that owned a little clothing store and he asked me to do alterations and sew for him at his store. I said sure. This was the first time someone paid me real money to make something to sell... my first summer job. Though I was raised in Lansing Michigan, I would often visit my Grandmother in the summer. She taught me how to really sew, and how to use a sewing machine and to make a beautiful finished garment.

AF - When did you start making your leather handbag line?
S - I started working in leather about 8 years ago, when I happened to walk into a beautiful store on Melrose Ave. In L.A. Obviously, quite upscale. I saw this huge amazing leather bag, with gold hardware. I asked the clerk the price, she said it was on sale, for 25 ... I said $25.00? She smiled and said $2500.00!!!!!! I said ... K. :-) I thought to myself, I can make that bag! I went to a Salvation Army store, bought an old leather coat and cut it apart. I made that bag on a regular sewing machine! It was ... AWESOME!!! That was the beginning of my... OH MY !... leather design addiction. A vegetarian for 31 years, but I love working in leather.

AF - I know in the past you have done costume design, do you still?
S - I do all of my daughter's (India Arie) stage clothing. I did some heavy duty stage designs when India was on tour with Stevie Wonder 2 years ago.

AF - What inspires you?
S - I am usually inspired by... colors, smells, magazines, TV, street styles and the world around me. I start out with a simple sketch idea, then I go into my studio to feel the creative energy. I start by looking for the right fabric and materials. Then I get in the zone, the obsession groove starts... the creativity takes over. And there I go.

AF - What do you currently have on the back burner?
S - I have a few unfinished oil paintings. A few unfinished bags, more clothing designs, and like a lot of dreamers... scattered pages of a unfinished book. My children call me Vampire MOMMY! My brain is always working on something and I haven't slept in 30 years, but I am OK with that!

Check out the Havenstreet Studio profile page to read more about Simpson and see her fantastic work.