About Us page banner featuring Kerry, founder of Lilly & Jude, in her studio making handcrafted sustainable leather bags.

About Us

The Faces (and Paws) Behind the Bags.

We’re a small (but mighty) team with big love for beautiful leather, slow fashion, and doing things the right way.

Everything you see on the website is handcrafted with rescued leather and a whole lot of heart - right from our little workshop in Shropshire, in the UK.

Before we tell you the story behind the brand, we thought you might like to meet the legends who make the magic happen…

Meet The Team

What we lack in corporate structure and PowerPoint presentations, we more than make up for in really beautiful bags and mild chaos.

Jack and Jan do most of the heavy lifting (literally), while the humans drink tea, talk to themselves, and occasionally remember to stay hydrated (thanks, Ian).

Sprocket handles morale and the delivery drivers - greeting them like old friends, which makes him a terrible candidate for security but an excellent one for head of vibes.

Together, we make eco-luxury look almost effortless.

Kerry Atterbury

Kerry Atterbury

Founder, CEO & Doer of All the Things

Loves Prince.

Once went up in a hot air balloon - will never do it again.

Once embarrassed herself in front of Literary Legend, Sir Terry Pratchett.

Ian Atterbury

Ian Atterbury

Hydration Co-Ordinator & Sprocket Wrangler

Is obsessed with Old. School Hip Hop.

Owns more pairs of trainers than your average Footlocker Store.

Is in love with the owner.

Sprocket

Sprocket

Chief Bark-eting Officer & Welcoming Committee Supervisor

Love treats, chasing pigeons and barking at absolutely nothing (preferably when it’s quiet and everyone is concentrating).

His best friends are Deaf Ted and Barack O’Llama - (both of whom desperately need a wash). 

Good-est of good boys. Mostly.

Jack

Jack

Leather Sewing Specialist

Loves nothing more than sewing through 8 layers of leather like a hot knife through butter.

Weighs a bloody ton. 

Jan

Jan

Lining Sewing Specialist

Makes a weird noise when you turn her on.

Is the same model that the contestants use in The Great British Sewing Bee

SO WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND LILLY & JUDE?

From three remarkable women to one small (and slightly chaotic) business

Well... What started as a simple, heartfelt project-making bags for my best friends for Christmas, very quickly spiralled into a full-blown obsession with leather scraps, craftswomanship and creativity.

At first, my brand went by the name Purple Jam, a playful nod to my obsession with Prince and an earlier, more experimental foray into selling t-shirts and notebooks on Amazon. But as I honed my skills and refined my vision, it became clear that the name Purple Jam just didn’t fit...

It was time for a change - something more meaningful, something with roots.

Black and white wedding photo from the late 1960s showing Kerry’s mum, Jude, and both grandmothers, Lillian — the namesakes of Lilly & Jude.

The Heart Of Lilly & Jude

Named after three women who shaped me: my two grandmothers (both called Lillian), and my brilliant mum Judith, who I lost in 2023. None of them could draw so much as a matchstick man, but creativity shows up in different ways.

They were strong, fiercely hard-working women who put everyone else before themselves. They kept families afloat, homes running, babies snuggled, and hearts and bellies full – with a damn sight more grit, than glamour.

Photo from May 1978 showing Jude, Kerry’s mum, sitting on a white wooden bench in the garden, holding a sleeping newborn Kerry.

From Heartbreak to Handbags

After I lost my mum, in a time of deepest grief, I did what I always do when I’m struggling - I created.

I shut myself away with my pain and taught myself how to take something that no longer had any use, and turn it into something beautiful, functional, and completely unique. I started with an old pair of jeans and some leftover furnishing fabric, and made two bags (which I gifted to my besties).

Eventually, I found my way to leather, invested in an industrial sewing machine, and the rest - as they say - is history.

Now, I’m all about turning would-be waste into gorgeous, sustainable bags that are as individual as the people who carry them.

Lilly & Jude banner image with bold text “We Give an F” in brand fonts, expressing the brand’s fierce attitude and commitment to sustainability.

We give an 'F'.
In fact, we give 5 of them...

Banner image with the text “Fun or Fancy” in Lilly & Jude brand fonts, capturing the brand’s playful style.

Fun or Fancy

Let’s face it - life’s too short to carry crap bags or to give your loved ones rubbish gifts! 

Your purchases should spark joy, make you smile, and maybe even earn a cheeky compliment or two. Whether it’s a leather bag crafted in-house or a specially selected gift, everything on our site has to be fun or fancy.

We add a touch of playfulness to every piece, because we believe that fun is always in fashion.

Banner image with the text “Eco Friendly” in Lilly & Jude brand fonts, highlighting the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Eco Friendly

We’re all about loving our planet while loving our style.
Our bags are made from rescued leather, giving it a second chance to shine instead of heading to landfill.

It’s luxury with a conscience, and that’s something we think everyone can get behind. It’s not just our products - we’re friendly too! We believe in good vibes, great customer service, and creating a shopping experience that feels more like catching up with an old friend than doing business. After all, it’s nice to be nice!

Banner image with the text “Fair Trade” in Lilly & Jude brand fonts, reflecting ethical sourcing values.

fair trade

We believe in fairness at every stage of our process. That’s why we carefully select our supplies from female-run businesses and those that support projects aimed at empowering women both in the UK and abroad.

We proudly source from suppliers dedicated to ethical trade and sustainability, who not only focus on producing eco-friendly products but also actively support marginalised communities, helping women achieve economic self-sufficiency and independence. 

Banner image with the text “Female Led” in Lilly & Jude brand fonts, celebrating women-led business spirit.

female led

We’re all about inclusivity here, supporting anyone who identifies with femininity, whether they’re born with it or claim it later in life.

Our mission is to create products that empower, celebrate, and elevate those who carry them, no matter their journey. At Lilly & Jude, we believe that strength and grace come in all forms, and we’re here for everyone who embodies these qualities.

We champion women in all their diversity, from the suppliers we partner with to the customers we serve. We’re proud to be a female-led brand that’s as dynamic, resilient, and inspiring as the women who raised us and those we stand beside every day.

Banner image with the text “Fabulous Vibes” in Lilly & Jude brand fonts, expressing the brand’s confident and sassy personality.

Fabulous Vibes

We don’t do things by halves. Every piece we create is designed to be as fabulous as you are. If it’s not something we’d be proud to carry ourselves, it doesn’t make it out of the studio. After all, life’s too short for anything less than fabulous! Our bags are all about that perfect blend of style, function, and a sprinkle of magic.

Whether you’re going to work, running errands or hitting the town, our bags are designed to make you feel unstoppable. Because when you carry fabulous, you carry confidence - and that’s the kind of energy we’re all about!

Want a Peek Behind the Seams?

There’s a LOT more to our bags than just good looks.

Fancy a closer look at the rescued leather, cheeky little design details and all the work that goes into every stitch?

Come this way…

ABOUT OUR BAGS
Lilly & Jude banner image with the text “Shop Now” in brand fonts, linking to the full collection of handcrafted sustainable leather bags.

So Now You know!

​Now you know a little bit more about me, my story, and what inspires each creation. I’m passionate about crafting unique, eco-conscious leather bags that you’ll love to use every day.

Why not take a look at the fabulous collection I’ve carefully put together just for you?

Head over to my fun, friendly, fabulous micro boutique and find the perfect piece waiting for you!

Shop now

Have a Question?

Chances are we’ve already answered it - including the one about whether the leather bags are suitable for vegans (spoiler: No.).

From bag care to shipping, returns to gift wrapping, we’ve got you covered. Hit the link below and if the answer isn't there, drop us a message and we'll get back to you asap

FAQ PAGE
Got a question? Click to read our FAQ – answers about shipping, returns and more from Lilly & Jude.

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