Marty Stevens-Heebner was called a “fashion outlaw” by one magazine editor because of the chances she takes in her designs, her life and her way of doing business. Marty’s the creator of the award-winning Rebagz™ Eco-Chic Handbag line and president of Half the Sky Designs LLC. Named InStyle’s number one eco-bag, Rebagz are made from vibrant and colorful recycled materials. Marty's eco-design and fair working conditions has its roots in her human rights work in Chiapas, Mexico amid the aftermath of the Zapatista rebellion. She was amazed by the inventiveness of the artisans in Chiapas, who lacked resources but more than made up for that with their originality and flare.

Following her humanitarian work – but prior to becoming a handbag designer – Marty had her own small but successful business creating original handcrafted jewelry. Her work wound up on the cover of Belle Armoire and was featured in Altered Couture and Jewelry magazine as well. She appeared as an expert crafter on HGTV’s “Crafters Coast to Coast” and on the DIY network’s “Craft Lab” and also co-authored the book, "Beading Vintage Jewelry Designs".

Marty shares her home with three dogs who are all mutts and all rescues – and that means even her dogs are recycled.

Marty's Mission:

...."It’s so vital right now that every woman ignites her creativity and uses it in every aspect of her life to make the world a better, fairer and safer place for all of us to live in. What does this have to do with shoes? I’ve discovered so many women don’t believe they’re creative and imaginative. If I can get some of you to see that you are, just by starting with those dusty old loafers in the back of your closet, then perhaps you’ll look at something else in your closet or in your life that can also benefit from viewing it from a new perspective. We already have everything we need for transformation right at hand. It’s in our closets, among our crafting supplies and, most importantly, within us. It’s called “creative problem solving” for a reason, and we need to keep that artful and colorful part of us on fire.

....You already have around you and within you what's needed to create new and extraordinary designs for yourself – and to find creative solutions that can effect extraordinary change in your life and the lives of those around you.”