Meet Amber Fant | Handcrafted Handbag Designer & Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Fant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had recently purchased an iPad and needed a stylish way to carry it. I found that what I liked, I couldn’t afford, and what I could afford, I didn’t like. So I thought, how hard can it be? I’ll make my own. After making one for myself, my co-workers and friends asked if I would make something for them. Thankfully, my skills got better with each bag, (that first one was pretty but rough!) I found I could spend hours making bags and that it was also therapeutic. So began Daylin Skye Designs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began working when I was 16. I was a bus-girl for Coco’s Restaurant in Vista. To me, a job was about money. I found it really difficult to commit to being at any one job for very long because once the newness went away, so did my desire to work there. I don’t think I ever connected a job as a being a source of fulfillment until I started Interior Design and worked side-by-side with my dad. He was a general contractor and together we would bid small jobs that had a mix of needing someone to remodel and offer design as well. For the first time I looked forward to working. My dad and I had a great relationship and being on the job with him are some of my fondest memories. I think in those three years he taught me how to be a superior craftsman. He taught me to always do my best even if it was on a task that might never be seen by another person. Because although they might never know if something was done properly, I always would. Show up on time, do more than what was required, always leave the customer with a good impression. If you messed up and the fix was costly then you pay the cost yourself and do it right. Thinking about it now, my Dad set me up for success with my business now. My commitment is to do what I know is my very best work. To stand behind my work, guarantee it. I’m focused on doing simple things very well. I don’t think handbag design is about recreating the wheel. But is about meeting the customers needs and delivering exquisite work that brings them back time and time again.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Funny you should ask, I just got to do this! My friend came out for a week and I did get to show her San Diego. I found it was interesting how much information I derived from social media. After I picked her up from the airport we went to Coronado Island. We had lunch at the Sun Deck in Hotel Del and then did some shopping at the local shops. The next day was spent in L.A., Venice Beach. We walked along the shops and then stopped to watch the skaters. We had lunch at the Rose. We both decided on the lobster rolls, which were to die for. We took the scenic route home via Hwy 73. Day 3 we stayed local to North County. We hit Carlsbad Village for some shopping and had a picnic lunch on the sand at Tamarack Beach. On her last day we had brunch at Ocean Cafe in Pacific Beach and then drove through the hills of Pt. Loma and back to the airport.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people! I don’t think you ever succeed alone. But mainly my mom. She has been steadfast, and solid in her support of my business. She’s my main PR person. If you meet her you won’t get away without her telling you about her daughter that makes handbags, and she’ll give you my business card with the promise of a deal if you just mention mama’s discount!

Website: daylinskye.com

Instagram: @daylinskye

Facebook: Daylin.Skye.Designs

Other: TikTok: @daylinskye

Image Credits
Pine & Pebble Photography Yvonne DeCarlo