Onyx Magazine has a mission to provide access to media for those that traditionally may find a hard way to go. Our continuing search for interesting engaging editorial content has led us to designer Linwood Manley.

Onyx magazine had a chance to sit down with Linwood - who is quite the Renaissance man. He is an award-winning chef at a central Florida hotel as well as a talented artist. Linwood paints and creates handmade leather bags of superior quality. We took a few minutes to chat with Linwood about his outstanding creations.

Lets start from the beginning. Where were you born?
I was born in Washington, DC July 1964. DC was segregated at the time. I am the youngest and have three sisters, which gave me four Mothers. This was my village where everyone knew everyone and we looked out for each other making it easy to roam the neighborhood. I have always sensed an innate sense of creativity in myself. DC was a great place to nurture my passion for art.

Where did the creative side come from?
The art programs in DC schools at the time formed a desire in the students for creative arts. Every year the students were taken to the Kennedy Center and the many museums around the city.

Did you attend any specialty art institutions?
Yes, I spent time at the Parsons school of design in New York, Maryland Institute College of Art, Corcoran Museum and College of Art Designand the Maryland University for Art history.

You have a very impressive resume, what prompted you to use leather for your bags?
One day I was out and about and walked into a Tandy store. The store was overflowing with leather pieces. I had never seen leather in this raw state before and was enthralled with the look and feel. Each hide was different meaning anything I created would be one of a kind. I purchased a few hides and took them home.

How did these generic pieces of leather turn into bags?
I initially made a pack for myself to carry my chef uniform to and from work. People started asking where I got it, so I started making them for friends. As time passed new functions and designs came to mind. For example, I started going to clubs after work and my girlfriend at the time needed somewhere to place her license and money. I began making what I call leather club packs. These were very small leather pouches giving her the freedom to dance and move around without having to worry about her larger handbag.

It seems that the bags are designed to be useful not just decorative?
The style is modest in shape, form and design. I make simple geometric shapes with particular clean lines. Since every part of the bag is handmade with quality leather my bags are very durable. I am still carrying my chefs uniform to work in that first bag that I made. The bag is over ten years old now and people say it looks like new.

The bags are ultrafashionable and durable. How affordable are they?
Depending on the style and type of leather the bags range between $125 and $300. I have several styles to choose from.

We will be giving away two of your leather bags at this years Onyx Awards. How does someone contact you if interested in learning more?
Anyone may feel free to call me through Onyx magazine. Mail may be sent to Linwood Manley PO Box 607274 Orlando FL 32860. My email is dwooni@aol.com.