Meet Nancy Gale | Innovator, Inspiring Future Visionaries

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nancy Gale and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nancy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
A few years after launching JAMAH, my business partner and I went our separate ways. After a period of introspection, I redirected our focus from high-end cast and crew gifts in the entertainment industry to the ultra-luxury handbag market.

I had long been deeply troubled by the absence of authentic American luxury fashion houses. With such superior talent in the US, I couldn’t accept that the world was only enamored with the allure and sophistication of European fashion houses.

I grew up in Detroit, during a time of economic prosperity. In this epicenter of iconic American brands and families, I had the opportunity to witness, experience and learn about the benefits derived from manufacturing in the United States and the real value of American craftsmanship.

This ignited my desire to build a Made in the USA, bespoke handbag brand that would be spoken about in the same breath as Hermes, Chanel and the ubiquitous fashion houses.

I knew this would be a very long trek, but I was absolutely committed to living out the journey. Ultimately, someone was going to rise to the challenge—why not me?

What should our readers know about your business?
When I embarked on my mission, I encountered skepticism from many naysayers. I was told that my dream of starting the first American luxury, Made in the USA bespoke handbag brand was impossible because there would simply never be another big fashion house. Can you imagine if Steve Jobs had listened when he was told there would never be another Microsoft? By no means am I against constructive criticism—there have been numerous times in my career when I needed to be reined in! But experience has taught me that the most valuable feedback comes from those who support us. And that’s how I realized: if you are not my cheerleader, you cannot play in my sandbox.

After nearly a quarter of a century in business, my perseverance and resilience have paid off. JAMAH’s popularity with celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Jessica Alba, Channing Tatum and Carrie Underwood landed the line in Vogue, InStyle and People among others, as well as on television’s Gilmore Girls and Extra. I had the honor of being commissioned to design three customized JAMAH bags for a former first family—Hillary, Bill and Chelsea Clinton.

In 2022, I launched the groundbreaking JAMAH Motorcar Collection, which marries the sophistication of high-end motorcars with the elegance of the JAMAH brand to create bespoke handbags and weekenders that mirror the luxury of clients’ automobiles. With iconic brands including Porsche, McLaren and Bentley, the Motorcar Collection continues to gain momentum, highlighted in Modern Luxury and Robb Report.

The success of JAMAH provides the bandwidth to support AMBITION, a non-profit I founded in 2010 in an effort to integrate cause and commerce. An entrepreneurial program for disadvantaged youth, AMBITION fosters innovation, solution-driven thinking, confidence and professional work ethic. Collaborative, hands-on participation and powerful, consistent connections with business leaders and special guests, including Sir Richard Branson, are at the heart of this mentor-driven program.

I’ve learned, throughout my career, that the beauty of pursuing your passion, being resilient and perhaps being a little bit insane is that every challenge simply becomes an achievable task. Now I smile at the naysayers! As JAMAH emerges as a preeminent American luxury brand and as AMBITION continues to provide access and exposure to youth, I look forward to the day when a young entrepreneur hears my story, reflects on my path and is told that Nancy Gale’s way is the way to do it, only to hear him or her respond with “To hell with Nancy Gale, I’ll do it my way! After all, her company slogan is Be Who You Are.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My LA itinerary would definitely include a beach day, hiking in Malibu and a show at the Hollywood Bowl or a local comedy club. One of the best things about LA is that there’s so much to do in the surrounding areas, from hitting the slopes in Big Bear to skydiving in Perris Valley. And I can’t let anyone leave without experiencing the best local sushi at The Room on Westwood Boulevard.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband Michael, or as I like to call him—my ex-fiancé, is the captain of my cheerleading squad!

I am fortunate to have fierce and loyal supporters from childhood to present day, including my folks, Bruce & Linda S., Debbie & Debbi D., Susan & Bob F., Richie M., Rosey R., Van L., Lisa C., Glenna & Peter L., Lori M., Donna & Greg E., Audrey Z., Brandie & Jevon D., Lonnie & Tiffany M., Elisa C., Taura M., Tracy B., Frank C., Dan G., Lydia H., Sacha C., Nicole H., Henry L. & Victoria C., Jamie & Arlene R., Andrew R., Parisa F., Bill L. and Viju M., among so many others.

Professionally, I owe a great deal of gratitude to Cristina at the exceptional Robb Report, Peter at Gunther Werks, Tony at Immedia, Sophie F., my loyal AMBITION mentors and last but not least, my beloved Alder family and steadfast forum—Law, Pita, Sudeck, Kyle, Bryan and Lisa. The beauty of my professional connections is the family they have become.

Website: https://www.jamah.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jamahbags

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancygale/

Twitter: n/a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamah

Yelp: n/a

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jamahbags

Other: https://www.ambition.org

Image Credits
Red Alfa Romeo:
Photo by Scott Williamson/Photodesign Studios.