jill-e designs go global

Special Feature: The Female market

New York-based jill-e designs, owned and operated by Jill Wight and Gail Backal, creates camera bags and carryall bags for busy, fashion-conscious women who want to protect their high-tech equipment.

Wight and Backal debuted their sturdy, stylish bags and accessories for female professional photographers, positioning them against the utilitarian male-oriented bags that have dominated the market.

"In addition to a website promoting 'community,' we reach our female customers through a worldwide network of photo and consumer electronics retail outlets (including CamerasDirect.com.au), so women can 'touch and feel' the products," says Wight.