Nerd Business Spotlight: The Bag Depot

Janice Christensen and Lesley A. Farquhar created “The Bag Depot” in 2012. Janice has been sewing and designing for over 40 years, and passed that love of the craft down to her daughter Lesley.

The couple take fan property patterns, commercially licensed from such companies as Disney, BBC, Lucasfilms LTD, DC, Marvel, and movie studios (purchased at retail), and turn them into amazingly beautiful and nerdy products.

But why are we talking about them?

As I said, the point of this week on Nerd News Social, was not just to talk about nerd businesses but nerd businesses that give back to the community.

In this spotlight we want to talk specifically of the work performed by Lesley, outside of her business.

Lesley has been a member of the 501st Legion for 13 years, and goes by the association designation TR 3774. Within the organization she has been a part of the organizations charitable acts. She also is a member of the Rebel Legion, Mandalorian Mercs, and is currently building a droid so she can be a member of the Droid Builders club.

For anyone who doesn’t know the 501st Legion, is an accepted fan group, that became canon within the Star Wars Universe. Additionally, they have used this good will to help their philanthropic endeavors. The 501st Legion is all over the world, including in Australia, China, and New Zealand. Where ever they are, they stand by one motto “Bad Guys Doing Good”.

Some of the things they do to help stick to the “…Doing Good” part of their motto is Walk for Wishes in which the 501st garrison helps raise money to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.

They make appearances, march, and do what ever it takes to help local charities where ever their garrisons are located.

But back to Lesley. Not only does she work hard as a member of the 501st, but she also does some amazing work on her business. The Bag Depot also loves to support charities. They donate to schools, fundraisers, and even has helped sponsor 501st Legion events.

They make quilted, crocheted, and sewn products which include: Hand bags, totes, place mats, wall hangings, table-runners, and other interesting items.

They make great gifts for your nerdy friends, and for a variety of themes including: Valentine’s Day, Easter, St Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

So give some love back to some people who put their heart and soul into their products, and support their community.

Quite the nerdly thing to do!

You can visit them at the Phoenix Fan Fusion from Thursday, May 23, through Sunday, May 26th.

Their booth number will be #797 in the Lower Exhibit Hall.

Visit their website or their .

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