Stop by almost any day to seeJasmine at task in the back of her shop at 615A Congress Street. Business 46 p o r t l a n d monthly magazine Diane Hudson ding dresses, often those returned to her by her customers. She has close to 100 gowns that were either donated or bought when Encore on Congress Street shut its doors. As a bride enters the well-designed space, it’s hard to tell who is more ex- cited. Pepice is literally bubbling over. “I could sew every day; I love helping people. And people are happy when you’re helping them look beautiful for the most special day of their life.” In the Bag asmine Clayton, 42, owner of Kurier in Portland, has a favorite quote: “If you don’t follow your dreams, you’ll spend your life working for someone who did.” Before following her dream, Clay- ton spent four years helping design- er Jill McGowan of Freeport follow hers. “I was a single mom and needed a ‘real job.’” The stint served her well. “I don’t think I could’ve gone into business without experiencing their sys- tem of production. It was better than going to school.” ventory. “Jill was so helpful ev- ery time I had a question. And she taught me to get used to fail- ing. You can’t take it personally.” In 2014, at age 38, with only $5,000 to her name, she signed a lease for her space in the State Theatre building, and gave eight weeks notice to McGowan. “It was a risk. I don’t have a rich grandfather or miraculous fund that’s going to catch me. If I don’t make the money, we don’t have food on the table.” Clayton learned early on that she is not her customer. “I wouldn’t spend $375 on a handbag, even if the cow made it from his own skin.” But others recognize the val- ue of Clayton’s work and will part with the cash. Kurier sells hundreds of different styles, all designed by Clayton. Her fa- vorite is the multi-use Ellis bag. As we speak, she is creating 500 beer koozies for Brooklyn Brew- ery made with leather from Ten- nessee and help from her part- time assistant. “I love my work. I say that all the time. Every day is like craft camp.” As I leave, I notice the beautiful All the while, Clayton was working on her own designs, selling in craft shows, working on social media, and building in-