Inspiring Conversations with Nancy Gale of JAMAH

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Gale

Hi Nancy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I founded JAMAH in 2000, it was almost unheard of to manufacture true luxury goods in the USA. An American luxury, Made in the USA bespoke handbag brand? Forget about it, so many said—it will never happen.

The major design houses were well established, with a century of success bolstering their reputations, but I knew they didn’t start there. When naysayers told me that there would never be another authentic luxury design house, especially one Made in the USA, I quietly resolved not to listen to them. Chanel and Hermes didn’t make their names overnight–and neither would JAMAH. But I knew that with a little time and a lot of gumption, if I remained true to my mission, JAMAH’s name would come to carry the same weight as these European brands. And it has, with every bag made-to-order in our downtown Los Angeles atelier. JAMAH’s popularity with celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Jessica Alba, Channing Tatum and Carrie Underwood landed the line in Vogue, Modern Luxury and Robb Report among others.

As JAMAH celebrated its 25th anniversary in January 2025, the brand’s ethos is more important than ever. Although the last decade has seen many companies prioritize fast fashion over quality, JAMAH has remained steadfast in our principles. Finally, America is ready to return to heritage pieces that are built to last, without compromising on elegance and sophistication, and JAMAH is here to deliver.

In 2022 I launched the groundbreaking JAMAH Motorcar Collection, the brand’s most recent innovation and a true testament to ingenuity and inventiveness. Marrying two niches of luxury—bags and automobiles—the line features bespoke handbags, messengers and weekenders that capture the magic of collectors’ high-end cars. For the third year in a row, in 2024, a JAMAH bag debuted at The Quail, the pinnacle of Monterey Car Week. Crafting countless ultra-luxury pieces that capture the magic of the most sophisticated automobiles on the road has been one of the great highlights of my career!

I am deeply gratified by JAMAH’s innovation—and I’m equally proud of the work I have done pioneering a model of cause & commerce. In 2010, I founded AMBITION, a nonprofit entrepreneurial program for disadvantaged youth. Its mission is to reframe their potential and to provide students with the support, access and resources necessary to reach their goals. By design, JAMAH and AMBITION are inseparable. Mutually dependent on each other’s success, one cannot exist without the other. AMBITION has changed the lives of numerous students over the years.

JAMAH and AMBITION continue to thrive, with exciting innovations on the horizon, including our recent collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club. This flourishing partnership represents the first of several new host organizations that will allow AMBITION to expand its reach!

25 years into this journey, I can’t help but feel grateful that each step of the way I found the strength to stick to my convictions. I am proud that mine is the name behind JAMAH and AMBITION.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the early days, I always received the same two pieces of advice: it’s too expensive to produce in the USA, and I couldn’t build a business while dedicating time and energy to a nonprofit. Once you make the money, then you can start the nonprofit, they said. But I knew the kids we wanted to work with didn’t have time for us to wait, and producing in the USA was a non-negotiable—it was at the heart of my vision.

It would be a disservice to the burgeoning entrepreneurs I mentor if I didn’t admit that when you first start out, the financial struggle is real. Even if you come out of the gates swinging, that’s not a guarantee of future financial success. It took a long time to develop the reputation that warranted such a substantial price point. I was committed to building a brand that means something—that lives out my values—and my convictions gave me strength through the difficult times.

These professional struggles I anticipated, but the hardest moment was one that I never could have seen coming: Thanksgiving weekend 2011, my mom was brutally murdered. My world was completely shaken, but she had taught me the power of resilience and in this most difficult moment, I drew on her profound lessons. As the sole force behind JAMAH, I couldn’t let this tragedy derail the brand and endanger my future.

Although my journey hasn’t always been smooth, my mindset kept me on track. Innovation, resilience and constant positivity have helped me persevere through the most challenging of times.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about JAMAH?
JAMAH takes bespoke and personalization to the next level.

Synonymous with customization, every JAMAH bag is made-to-order with clients given the choice of skin, color and hardware finishings.

A deeply sentimental option, JAMAH offers custom inscriptions that are elegantly debossed on leather patches and sewn into the bags’ interiors. From wedding vows to love letters to soulful messages, these inscriptions allow the bags to tell a story. The ultimate in personalization, JAMAH’s “Making Of” videos follow the creative process from first cut to final stitch at our downtown Los Angeles workshop. These optional touches crystallize the legacy of JAMAH bags, cementing them as pieces that carry history.

Our commitment to the bespoke design experience is perhaps best embodied by The JAMAH Motorcar Collection. We are at the front lines of innovation, and I am deeply proud to have carved out this unique niche in the luxury world.

I am extremely proud of pioneering an authentic model of cause and commerce, whereby the success of JAMAH provides the bandwidth to support AMBITION.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband Michael—or as I like to call him, my ex-fiancé—is the captain of my cheerleading squad!

I am fortunate to have fierce and loyal supporters from childhood to present day, including my folks, Bruce & Linda S., Debbie & Debbi D., Susan & Bob F., Richie M., Rosey R., Van L., Lisa C., Glenna & Peter L., Lori M., Donna & Greg E., Audrey Z., Brandie & Jevon D., Lonnie & Tiffany M., Elisa C., Taura M., Tracy B., Frank C., Dan G., Lydia H., Sacha C., Nicole H., Henry L. & Victoria C., Jamie & Arlene R., Andrew R., Parisa F., Bill L. and Viju M., among so many others.

Professionally, I owe a great deal of gratitude to Cristina at the exceptional Robb Report, Peter at Gunther Werks, Tony at Immedia, Sophie F., and my loyal AMBITION mentors.

And lastly, I couldn’t do it without my beloved Alder family and steadfast forum—Law, Pita, Sudeck, Kyle, Bryan and Lisa. An institution that prioritizes generational leadership, growth, sense-making & community, Alder welcomed me with open arms in 2015. After nine years of membership, the organization continues to enrich my world Personally, Professionally and Philanthropically—what I have dubbed “The Three Ps.” It has been game changing to share the room with the most incredible motley crew of superstars. How fortunate am I to have found an organization that ignites me, drives me and fulfills my soul!?

The beauty of my professional connections is the family they have become.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jamah.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jamahbags
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamah
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancygale/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jamahbags
• Other: https://www.ambition.org