Lucia Plumb-Reyes and her friend Libby Abbott thought of the idea for the Lilu Handbag Project on a lazy summer afternoon. But that single thought spawned into something the girls never dreamed. After more than two years in the works the girls have sold more than $10,000 worth of their homemade designer handbags. But more notably they’ve donated every cent of the proceeds to Works In New Direction; a Sacramento based homeless shelter for teens.

We caught up with Lucia as she spent another busy day balancing not only her homework but also a blossoming business that’s dedicated to making other people’s lives a little bit brighter.

Lucia’s handbags are for sale once a year at the Lilu Fashion Show. If you’d like more information about the Lilu Handbag Project or Works In New Direction (WIND) visit their sites at liluhandbags.com or www.windyouth.org.