Crown & Goose owner doubles as a high profile, handbag designer

The moment you step inside Crown & Goose in the Old City, you notice a sense of artistry and creativity, especially at Christmas. "I'm passionate about design," says Patricia Nash. And that shows throughout the pub. But the Crown and Goose isn't her only business. Patricia doubles as a high profile designer and has so for 20 years, creating accessories for private labels and brands. However, these days, she's working for herself. "It's old world feel in a current trend bag." Patricia launched her own handbag line two months ago in New York. It's a dream that started in a high school sewing class. "I actually made a bag out of left over sewing material." And, Patricia developed a love for Italian leather during frequent work trips to Europe. "The smell of it is amazing to me. Besides good food, what smells better!" To date, Patricia's handbag collection includes 18 designs. "A hundred years ago when they made bags in Italy, all the edges would be raw and they would burn the edge." She's replicated that classic technique and modernized the bags with pockets, making them more functional. "I'm just really overwhelmed at how popular they are." Ironically, her favorite bag is her very first creation. "It still remains my favorite and still remains to be one of the top sellers." But she's always dreaming up new looks. And, what better place for ides than people watching at the pub. Crown and Goose is her home away from home. "I'm probably on the road most weeks and some days. I'm gone about 10-15 days a months." Patricia's skipping the globe from her factory in China to her showroom in New York. "They kind of laugh at me in New York and ask, 'Why are you living there?' I tell them Knoxville is the best kept secret there is." Even though her trademark might resemble an East Tennessee dogwood, it's remnant of Italian wineries she drew up in the pub. "I started sketching out a grape leaf.. put them together and made a little dot in the middle." And now, that Patricia Nash logo is being carried around the world. You can find her handbags at Dillard's stores nationwide and also on her website.