SAMANTHA MILLER

Age • 31

City • Fenton

Family • Single

What she makes • Miller is a designer creating bags, purses, accessories and home goods from newspapers, magazines and other recycled materials. You can buy her bags at her kiosk located at West County Center (outside of the BeBe store). Also, visit her website at everythingsam.com or call 314-583-5430.• When did you start making your recycled newspaper handbags? About four years ago. I also make throw pillows, lunch bags, wallets, wine bags, checkbook covers, passport holders, yoga bags, shoulder totes and tablet covers.

• Is this a hobby? No. This is my full-time job, about 80 hours a week.

• Do you work alone? No. My family and friends help me collect and find recycled items such as newspaper, belts and brooches. We shop Goodwill stores, estate sales and flea markets. I accept donations of newspapers, magazines, comic books and posters. I have 10 employees who help produce my product.

• Where is your workspace? I have a shop in Ladue where everything is collected, sorted, processed, cut and sewn together.

• What are your prices? $20 for coin purses, $35 for wallets, $40 for electronics covers, $50 to $150 for purses and $150 to $250 for shoulder totes.

• Who's your customer? Fortunately, my product base is so large that I have items for men and women at any age. Many of my customers support what I create, and they love my commitment to recycling.

• Have you always been an avid recycler? Yes. When I was a young child, my grandmother would wrap our gifts in newspaper (the comics section). This gave me the realization of repurposing products.

• Any upcoming shows? Yes. I will be at the St. Louis Working Women's Survival Show Feb. 24-26 at the St. Charles Convention Center.