How Cakes Was Born
Some memories stay with you forever. They shape who you become.
For me, the decision to take control of my safety was years in the making. Growing up, I learned early on that help doesn’t always come when you need it most. Time and time again, I found myself in situations where I had to rely on myself, because there simply wasn’t anyone else to count on.
One memory still stands out. My home alarm system had been triggered and, as it was designed to, it automatically called the police. I waited, heart racing, expecting help to arrive within minutes. But it didn’t. The police didn’t show up for 45 minutes. By the time they arrived, the situation could have ended in disaster. That experience left me shaken—not just because of what could have happened, but because I realized how alone I truly was in moments like that.
Fast forward to adulthood, and that sense of hypervigilance hadn’t left me. I was commuting over 100 miles to and from work, often in the dark, and rising crime in California wasn’t just a headline—it was something I could feel in my daily life. Stopping for gas late at night became a routine gamble, and I’d find myself constantly scanning my surroundings, on edge. I wasn’t just worried—I was tired of pretending that anyone would come to my rescue if something happened.
That’s when it clicked. If I wanted to feel safe, I needed to take responsibility for my own protection. No one else was going to do it for me.
I made a decision: I would never feel that vulnerable again.
The Road to Taking Control
The first step was figuring out how to protect myself. I wasn’t new to the idea of concealed carry, but living in California made it feel like an impossible dream. Getting a CCW license here is notoriously difficult, especially for someone like me without a traditional “qualifying” reason. But I wasn’t deterred.
Late-night commutes, gas station stops, and countless encounters with suspicious people—I had plenty of “good cause” to justify my application. I documented everything meticulously, sat through 16+ hours of training, and gathered what felt like a mountain of paperwork, background checks, reference interviews, fingerprints, social media checks, interviews, mental health assessments, and a test to prove that I can land my shots on target 45 feet away.
Even then, it was a waiting game. Weeks turned into months as I hoped for an approval that was never guaranteed. The process was draining, but the thought of reclaiming my sense of security kept me going. When I finally held that license in my hands, it felt like I had unlocked a new chapter of my life—one where I could walk through the world with a little more confidence.
But the journey didn’t stop there.
A New Problem, a New Challenge
Carrying concealed seemed like the perfect solution in theory. In practice? Not so much.
The inside-waistband holsters I tried didn’t work with most of my outfits, and the concealed carry bags on the market were either bulky, ugly, or downright unsafe. It felt like every option screamed, “Look at me, I’m carrying a firearm!” and that was the exact opposite of what I wanted.
Me and Sherriff Chad Bianco at the 2024 CCW Law Event.
Can you tell there's a gun in my bag here?
Daily concealed carry is supposed to make you feel secure, but instead, I felt frustrated. How was I supposed to carry discreetly and comfortably when nothing out there fit my needs? Women's bodies are different and IWB carry was downright painful against my curves. At this point I would rather leave my gun at home than wear IWB, so off-body carry was my only option, and navigating through all the masculine and tactical options made me sick... and other CCW purses were just plain purses with a random pocket where your gun was supposed to go 3 zippers deep, I'd be fumbling for my gun when I already have my adrenaline pumping? That didn't make sense, and I understood why all the CCW instructors advised against purse carry, and warned that purses were also often stolen. It wasn’t just about finding a bag that works—it was about making the CCW lifestyle work for me.
That’s when the idea started to take shape. If I couldn’t find the solution, why not create it myself?
A Stop Gap Solution
I started playing with the idea more. It started with trial and error—buying random bags off Amazon, armed with a hot glue gun, a needle, and a vision. I’d sew and glue holsters into them, trying to create something functional yet discreet. But no matter how much effort I put in, it always felt like I was Frankenstein-ing pieces together. I’d look at the manly tactical bags with their endless pockets and sturdy features, wishing I could somehow merge that functionality into a design that wasn’t so overtly masculine or, frankly, ugly.
Frustrated, I turned to Marcus. He listened patiently as I ranted about the lack of options for women like me. Not only was he an incredible supporting husband, but as a two-time Emmy Award-winning designer with a degree in product design from an Ivy League art school. What a coincidence! Marcus had the experience and insight I desperately needed. He didn’t just encourage me—he became my sounding board, offering ideas and helping me channel my frustration into something tangible. Together, we started reimagining what a concealed carry bag could be, blending practicality with aesthetics in a way that finally made sense.
Marcus wasn’t just supportive—he was the driving force behind turning my scattered ideas into something real. I was scared to take the leap and start a company, uncertain about whether anyone else would believe in the vision as much as we did. But Marcus wasn’t having any of it. One day, he surprised me with a gift: 3D renderings of what the purse could look like. He had taken all my frustrations, ideas, and sketches and transformed them into a tangible vision. Seeing the design come to life sparked something in me, a new wave of inspiration I hadn’t felt in months. I’ll never forget him saying, “Why not at least find out if a prototype is worth making?” That simple question shifted everything. For the first time, it felt possible.
The Birth of Cakes Concealed Carry
In the beginning, it felt almost too ambitious. A handbag designed specifically for women like me—one that was stylish, functional, and, most importantly, safe. I wanted something small and discreet, a bag that blended seamlessly into my wardrobe but didn’t compromise on security or quick access. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. There were thousands of women out there facing the same frustrations I was, struggling to make concealed carry fit into their daily lives. We deserved better options, and I was determined to create one.
The name “Cakes” came to me later. It was a fun take on the shape and curves we women have, and we conceal. No one needs to see all that cake. But beyond that, it reflects the sweetness of reclaiming your power, of feeling safe without sacrificing style.
It was time to hunt for a prototype.
Turning a Vision into Reality
The hunt for a prototype was overwhelming, to say the least. I had no idea where to even begin. That’s when I turned to ChatGPT, asking, “How does someone make a handbag prototype?” From there, I started cold-calling factories based on the contacts it helped me find, learning new jargon like “tech pack” along the way. Marcus, as always, jumped in to help, creating the tech pack—a professional blueprint for the bag’s design. A few days earlier, I didn’t even know what a tech pack was!
The first tech pack images
As the calls rolled in, reality hit hard. Most prototype companies quoted me between $4,000 and $8,000 for just one or two photo-ready samples. And if I wanted to manufacture in the USA? The cost per bag would be around $250—completely unrealistic for making the product affordable and accessible for all women. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I knew I had to explore overseas manufacturing if I wanted this dream to be viable.
I teetered on the edge of a decision, scared to invest that much of my savings into something that might not work out. That’s when my dad stepped in as a second sounding board. He reminded me of my roots in Bangladesh, a country known for its garment and leather manufacturing. His suggestion hit me like a lightbulb moment: why not look into the resources of my birthplace before sinking $4,000 to $8,000 into a single prototype?
My dad even called up old college friends, which led to my introduction to Leatherina. They specialized in leather manufacturing, understood my vision, and felt like the perfect fit. It almost seemed too good to be true—but sometimes, the stars just align. I was able to save thousands of dollars because I didn't need a middle man or translation service, since all my childhood years my parents forced me to learn to speak, read and write the Bangla language. It was perfect, and Leatherina started working on my prototype.
Iterations and Changes
The journey to the final design of the Cakes Concealed Carry bag was anything but simple. We went through four full iterations of the prototype, refining every detail and updating the tech pack with each change. Early on, we realized the back zip pocket couldn’t fit larger smartphones, so we redesigned it into a slip pocket. The front pocket, originally open, was modified to include a zipper, securing items from falling out—a small but crucial improvement.
We didn’t cut corners, even with the zippers. We chose the highest-end option available, ensuring they’d slide smoothly in any situation. I learned, surprisingly, that zippers need lubricant to work seamlessly over time. We swapped the tassel for a sleeker pull strap, refining the overall look, and added metal branded zippers alongside a discreetly debossed logo on the back. The goal was clear: no overt markers that screamed “This is a CCW bag.”
One of the most critical changes came after testing: we discovered the firearm compartment zipper needed to be moved all the way to the back of the purse. The original placement caused the zipper to catch on the gun frame during a draw—an unacceptable risk for a product designed to save lives. This adjustment alone took multiple iterations and hours of testing, but it made all the difference.
We wanted the Cakes Concealed Carry bag to do more than just look good; it had to promote responsible firearm carry. That’s why we decided to include a minimal nylon holster with every bag. It was a small but critical addition, ensuring that even if a customer didn’t have a dedicated holster, they wouldn’t be tempted to throw their firearm into the bag unprotected—a risk that completely defeats the purpose of our design.
To go a step further, we added elastic loops for an extra magazine. This feature was especially important for compact firearms like the Glock 43, which comes with only a 6-round magazine. We wanted our customers to have the option to carry additional ammunition, thinking of situations where this might make all the difference. Every detail, from the holster to the magazine loops, was designed with safety and practicality in mind.
Months of thought went into this design, and no issue was left unaddressed. From the choice of materials to the placement of every pocket, everything had to function perfectly. This bag wasn’t just an accessory—it was a life-saving tool. It had to work first, and be stylish second.
Leatherina proved to be the perfect partner throughout this process. They not only embraced every change but often brought their own ideas to the table. We collaborated at all hours of the day, even exchanging napkin drawings to keep momentum going. Their commitment to quality and our shared vision turned what felt impossible into reality.
Some of the many changes documented in our communication with Leatherina
Branding Cakes
Branding Cakes Concealed Carry was a labor of love, led entirely by Marcus as our creative director. He designed everything—from the logo and emblem to the brand bible, colors, fonts, patterns, printed materials, and even the 3D models of the zippers and hang tags. Every detail, down to the tissue paper in our packaging, carries his creative touch.
The emblem, an 8-pointed star, was a serendipitous creation. While experimenting with the typeface, Marcus overlaid two dots from the font, forming a star. It wasn’t until later we discovered its deeper meaning: the 8-pointed star represents Ishtar, the Mesopotamian goddess of love, fertility, and war. It was a perfect symbol for Cakes—bold, feminine, and fiercely empowering.
Marcus didn’t just stop at designing every element of the Cakes Concealed Carry brand—he also got hands-on in unexpected ways. To save money and keep momentum during product manufacturing, he photographed me modeling the bags and worked his Photoshop magic to alter my face. This clever workaround allowed us to create polished marketing materials without hiring professional models, helping us move forward faster while staying budget-conscious. His ingenuity and dedication were key to bringing the brand to life on every level.
This is actually me modeling the bag! Marcus altered my head and skin!
Coincidences, Partnerships and Fate?
Some more insanely aligned things happened next... it started with a bit of curiosity and a cold email. I was randomly searching for niche influencers in the CCW world, hoping to find someone who could help spread the word about Cakes. That’s when I stumbled upon Shauna of Moms Who Carry. She had a strong following—primarily mothers dedicated to protecting their families—and I thought, What better audience to showcase what Cakes is all about?
I reached out, simply asking if I could gift her a bag and, if she liked it, maybe share it with her followers. I had no expectations beyond that. But when Shauna replied, it felt like fate. Not only did she love the concept, but she also revealed that she owned a Kydex holster brand and was in the process of launching a velcro purse holster.
We connected instantly, and what began as a simple outreach turned into a full-fledged collaboration. Together, we developed the Cakes X MWC holster—a branded offering that complements our bags perfectly. I never imagined that Cakes would branch into holsters, but here we are, creating something that’s not only practical but also deeply aligned with our shared mission of empowering women to carry safely and stylishly.
The gorgeous brand pattern of Cakes Concealed Carry sublimated onto Kydex by Moms Who Carry Holsters
Getting Funding and Even More Fate...
Starting Cakes Concealed Carry felt like a leap of faith, but one thing was clear: I needed funding to make it happen. About $16,000 to get my first inventory. The idea of draining my retirement savings or leaving myself with no financial safety net was terrifying—what if things didn’t go as planned? So, I began exploring small business loans. Armed with determination and a list of contacts from the government SBA loan website, I started cold-emailing.
That’s when I stumbled upon Mel Dimacali with NAAC, and what happened next felt like fate yet again. Mel wasn’t just any SBA loan officer—he was also a CCW instructor. When he saw my email about seeking funding for a concealed carry handbag company, he told me he nearly fell out of his chair. As someone who regularly trained women in concealed carry, he knew firsthand how badly a product like Cakes was needed.
Mel didn’t just process my loan—he became my mentor (and friend). With years of experience working with thousands of small businesses, he was deeply invested in my success. He told me he had never seen a concept like this, and he was determined to help me bring it to life. He personally oversaw my funding allocation, guiding me every step of the way, and made sure I had the resources to launch Cakes. Without his encouragement and expertise, I’m not sure I’d be here today, turning this dream into reality.
ingenuity and dedication were key to bringing the brand to life on every level.
Turning Fear Into Empowerment
Gosh I feel like crying at this point in writing this blog. Looking back, I realize that every part of this journey—from the sad and scary moments in my life, moving out of LA to the desert, getting my CCW, the frustration of finding no viable concealed carry options, and my husband's entrepreneurial push—was leading me here. Cakes Concealed Carry isn’t just about handbags; it’s about solving a real problem, empowering women, and proving that you don’t have to compromise your style to protect yourself.
This is how it all began, but it’s far from the end. The journey to bring this idea to life has been challenging, rewarding, and deeply personal. And I can’t wait to share more of that story with you.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we’re building something truly special—one layer at a time. 🍰