Lake resident chillin’ making Swankey bags

Tracey Luebbers of Lake Wylie has created a chill bag.

Luebbers’ Swankey acts like a cooler keeping wine, or other beverages, chilled in a fashionable and sturdy shoulder bag.

“Bottles aren’t allowed at swimming pools,” Luebbers said. “And, I would notice people would have a box of wine and put the bag in the cooler. I just thought there has to be a better way.”

Luebbers said she and friends started sketching ideas four years ago.

“(They) helped me get it from a drawing to an actual 3D bag,” she said.

In May, Luebbers started selling the Swankey that looks like a large carry bag but includes a hidden insulated bottom compartment to hold a beverage bladder and ice pack with an outside spout for pouring. The top of the bag holds everything else.

“The good thing about it is it is discrete to carry around to a social gathering and events,” said Therese Betlow of Lake Wylie.

It’s also large enough to be practical. The disposable beverage bag holds 3 liters.

“I took it out on the boat and (kept) margaritas in it,” said customer Lynn Sherill of Lake Wylie. “The bag itself is tough and sturdy with plenty of room to put stuff in it like towels.”

Customer’s like Jane DuBois appreciate the details.

“I’m a big wine drinker. I used it to go kayaking in Florida, on the beach and at the pool,” she said. “I think once people catch on they’re really going to love it.”

The Swankey is made in the USA by a manufacturer in Missouri. The factory is run and owned by women.

“It’s really important to me that it’s made in the country,” Luebbers said.

Eventually, the Swankey will come in multiple prints and fabrics to fit any occasion.

“We are in the process of a nautical pattern with bright colors, sailboats with ropes for the handles,” Luebbers said. “Then I’ll have an evening type with black and an animal print on the inside. I will have three different patterns by September.”

Market on Wylie at 4070 Charlotte Highway showcases the Swankey and sells bladder refills, as well as The Wine Shop in Dilworth area of Charlotte and The Hickory Wine Shop in Hickory, N.C. This month, she hopes to amp up connections at an AmericasMart Atlanta event with major retailers.

“We are just getting started,” Luebbers said.

This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 2:35 PM with the headline "Lake resident chillin’ making Swankey bags."