“Enid is WONDERFUL!! I read it in two days, couldn’t put it down! THANK YOU Jeep!!”
— Silvi from Texas
Enid
Enid is a true story of overcoming adversity, rising to notoriety, and then searching for, and finding, true meaning. You are invited into this story. Like a guest in her home, gather round as Enid Collins tells of her victories, her sorrows and ultimate rest.
A memoir by Jeep Collins.
Reader Reviews
“Enid is a wonderful story, told by her son, of a woman who influenced style and fashion for generations. She was bold. She was creative. Be encouraged by reading about her grit and determination - and be inspired by her faith.”
— Kathy from Texas
“I’m just to page 34, but already I’ve stopped several times to just appreciate the love that is evident in your storytelling. You have no idea how wonderful it is to learn the life story of someone I admired so much based simply on the feelings that these special purses engendered. Thank you for this gift.”
— Rayne from California
“Holding this book is like holding a Collins bag!”
— Barbara from Texas
Know Enid. Know Yourself.
This is the story of Enid Collins, the famed handbag designer of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. The setting is Spring Valley Ranch, the 400 acres of rugged but beautiful land that she and husband Frederic Collins bought sight unseen in order to pursue a dream of ranching — a dream that wasn’t to be. Instead, out of their need to survive, they did what they knew how to do, they made things.
In many ways, their remote and rugged lives were far from ours today. In other ways, they were not that different. They succeeded, they struggled, they lived. We begin as spectators watching from a distance but through this story we are beckoned closer — to see what they saw and, indeed, read their journaled thoughts.
Through this human story you are invited to examine your own life, to question. You are invited to a place of deeper meaning and purpose.
A Fashion Icon
These days, Enid’s handbags are sought after and collected all over the world. Much loved are the playful themes, witty sayings and vibrant jewels.
What began on a hand-hewn kitchen table in a remote ranch in Texas, eventually made its way to every major department store in the country including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord and Taylor. In the 1960s they were the treasure of women everywhere and have inspired some of the biggest brands and designers of our day.
About the Author
Jeep Collins grew up in the rugged hills west of San Antonio at the headwaters of the Medina River. The landscape shaped and molded him. As the son of artists and dreamers, he was destined to follow in the footsteps of his parents. In 1972 he started making jewelry and built a business that has endured 48 years.
Along with his wife, Dana, Jeep lives a full life of gardening, grandparenting, ministry and writing. They live just outside Fredericksburg, Texas among the birds, deer and armadillos.
