As some of you may already know, the company takes its name from my Aunt Rita who lost her life to colon cancer at age 46. Since the very first time I designed one of our handbags, it has been my dream to create a company that honors her legacy.

Since the time I was a little girl, I always knew there was something special about my Aunt Rita and to this day, she continues to inspire me. She was a successful, self-made woman who lost her mother at age eleven. She completed her college degree in her mid-thirties while working full-time at the company for which she would later go on to become Controller. She became engaged to Ray—her long time love—one month before she was diagnosed with cancer. They married six months later and he remains devoted to her until this day.

She possessed an incredible passion for life which was revealed in her remarkable determination and will to survive. Although doctors told her she had just months to live—because the cancer was so advanced—she bravely battled the disease and lived for more than two years before losing her fight.

It is her spirit which I hope we have captured in the collection. Further, we hope her spirit inspires you to become part of the Rita Wilcox family. Whether you choose to host a party, attend one, or buy one of our products, you are joining a group of women who are living their lives in their own way. Whatever your choice--be it full-time career woman, full-time Mom or somewhere in between, there is a place on the Rita Wilcox team for you. Independent, savvy, fun, smart, committed women who are looking to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of those whom they touch.

I believe that together we can change lives and that Rita Wilcox is a place where dreams can be realized. We look forward to embarking on this great journey together where together we reach for the stars and perhaps get sprinkled with some stardust along the way!

All my best,

Patricia Schmitz