In 2002, Karl Ozinga had the innovative idea to design a women's handbag using neoprene as the fabric. Neoprene, traditionally the material of wetsuits and scuba gear, had never successfully been used by a fashion design studio. Karl succeeded, and California Leash Company was founded as an in-home design studio. The handbag line was named Beach by CLC, and it featured one handbag, in one tropical hibiscus print that came in five color options.

Karl's wife Amber, traveled up and down the California coastline selling the unique Beach handbag. Even though the CLC collection had only one bag, she easily sold the stylish, light-weight, flexible, and easy to clean design to dozens of shops and boutiques. By 2004, Beach handbags were sold in stores throughout the nation, as well as in the Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Over the years, the Beach collection evolved into a full fashion line of dozens of handbags and accessories. Karl's beautiful innovative designs, paired with the vibrant color patterns and creative prints that define the collection, have given Beach Handbags a distinctive niche in the world of fashion.

Today, ten years after its inception, California Leash Company is known as Beach Handbags and Accessories. It is more than a small design studio. Beach is a growing "family" of highly valued, talented individuals who share in Karl and Amber's original vision. That vision is to spread joy and love through unique products that provide individuals with endless opportunities to express themselves through fashion.

In 2012 we are celebrating a 'Decade of Bliss' at Beach Handbags and Accessories. The Spring/Summer collection is inspired by our loyal customers and the joy we have experienced in serving them over the years.