Designer Denton Kump

A mere 5 years ago, Denton Kump was a successful, comfortable research scientist, with her Ph.D. in immunotoxicology. As if stepping from a Superman phone booth, but without the tacky cape, she emerged as an entrepreneur -- designer, manufacturer and wholesaler of unique, edgy handbags. She started her business from her dining room, sewing her creations on her grandmother's antiquated Singer. As her fledgling wholesale business grew, she soon found she was doing the jobs of 5 people, designing & sewing the handbags, building a website, designing her brochures, and selling her products. Despite a lack of retail or business experience, the self-confident woman realized that "just because you don't know how to do something doesn't mean you can't. You can learn to do anything." Which is just what she did.

The primary ingredient of the company's success formula is its founder. As her choice of a business name indicates -- "Poesis" is a Greek word meaning "creation" -- Denton Kump combines left-brain and right-brain strengths. Although Denton Kump's background as a medical researcher seems like inadequate preparation for the fashion design industry, it's actually been a boon to her creative endeavor. She believes that a "background in science taught me how to analyze a problem and find a creative solution for it" and to appreciate the value of surrounding herself with people who had expertise in areas she lacked. In the important decisions she's made for Poesis, she's researched thoroughly and made decisions based on the facts -- as she learned to do while earning her doctorate. Having a solid career and having earned a Ph.D. also gave Denton an extra boost of self-assurance in starting a new business venture: "It gave me the confidence to know that I could do anything I set out to do. And it taught me never to take NO for an answer."

In June 2004, Denton Kump opened her flagship Poesis boutique in the Carytown district of Richmond, Virginia. Like many retailers, Denton has managed to make a success of her retail enterprise; what is far more impressive is the impact she has made on the retail environment in Richmond. Denton has always been one to think "outside the box" in terms of marketing -- case in point, the Poesis company vehicle is a pink polka-dotted Hummer, and the retail boutique features backlit floating walls and video screens, unlike any other in Richmond.

And now, only 5 years after turning in her lab coat, Denton's success is evidenced by the following awards and accolades:

Poesis handbags and accessories are sold in the Poesis flagship boutique in Richmond, Virginia, as well as at over 200 upscale boutiques across the country, internationally, and online at www.poesisonline.com.