Shop Local - Me and My Girls

May 2

By: Amanda Huntsman

Me and My Girls is a mother-daughter-owned business offering an affordable luxury line of crystal evening bags founded by Barbara Goutos (mom), Alexa Goutos, and Bianca Rae (sisters). The purses are handmade and unbelievably sparkly, and within just six months of launching, they have graced the red carpet and runway at many high-profile events.

Me and My Girls started when Barbara was looking for an exciting new project in retirement. Barbara and her husband retired to the Palm Springs area, officially now living in what they call paradise. Barbara, Alexa, and Bianca have always loved how sparkle can instantly elevate a person’s mood and look. Additionally, they love that the right accessory can make any woman feel beautiful regardless of her shape or size. So, in early 2022, the three of them started working with manufacturers to create a sparkly line of elevated handbags. That fall, they officially launched the business on a mother-daughter trip to Dubai. The philosophy of Me and My Girls is to offer high-quality luxury products at an affordable price point because they believe every woman deserves a chance to sparkle.

Me and My Girls currently has seven different bags in the collection, and a new summer line is launching soon. The purses are handmade with beautiful crystals and are unbelievably sparkly in person. Me and My Girls purses have been worn from Dubai to Beverly Hills and everywhere in between. Whenever the trio wears one of their bags, they are stopped by people inquiring about the unique designs. You have to see it to believe it! In just one short year of being in business, Me and My Girls purses have been worn on the red carpet of the Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globe awards, as well as showcased in Fashion Week El Paseo. They are also now sold in Novecento Newport Coast, Chrissy's on El Paseo in Palm Desert, and Andrea's Fashions in West Hollywood.

The biggest inspiration in starting the business was for Bianca and Alexa to give their mom a new project in retirement and to spend more time together as a family. They had no idea it would turn out to become what it is today. Me and My Girls has quickly grown, and there is significant demand for their beautiful bags! Barbara, Bianca, and Alexa are truly grateful to everyone who has supported them along the way.

About Barbara, Alexa, and Bianca:

Originally from Chicago, Barbara and her husband now live in Palm Springs, and Bianca splits her time between Los Angeles and Newport Beach. Alexa, the oldest daughter, remains in Chicago, where she is a family law attorney at Dussias Wittenberg Koenigsberger LLP in Chicago. In 2020, Alexa was selected for Law Bulletin Media’s 40 Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch. Alexa is a member of the Hellenic Bar Association and donates her time to her sister's nonprofit, the Bianca Rae Foundation, speaking to and mentoring young girls.

Barbara Goutos has been married for 37 years. She has been a volunteer religious education teacher for Sacred Heart Church in the suburbs of Chicago for more than 25 years. Barbara and her husband now live in La Quinta, California, but she still goes back in the summer to teach a summer intensive course for children. She is also a Muse for the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert, which is a women's fundraising and leadership council for the theater. Barbara also volunteers for the Bianca Rae Foundation. She says her greatest accomplishment in life is her two daughters.

The youngest daughter, Bianca Rae, is an Emmy-winning news anchor in Los Angeles. She has won multiple LA Press Club Awards for her on-air work. She received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, honoring her activism and philanthropy in Southern California. Bianca is the founder of the Bianca Rae Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit serving underprivileged middle school children in Southern California. The foundation's signature program, the Rae of Hope Retreat, is now in its 9th year and has served nearly 4000 children. Bianca is also on the board of the LA Press Club, as well as a member of the Junior League of Los Angeles.

Barbara, Alexa, and Bianca have always cherished spending time together and continue to do that even in adulthood, but they feel it is always important to find new ways to connect. The experience of starting Me and My Girls has also given them an opportunity to learn new skills, from negotiating with manufacturers to managing the supply chain process to marketing their bags. As a mom, an attorney, and a news anchor, they are embracing becoming entrepreneurial businesswomen.