We recently had the chance to connect with Asia Banks-Franklin and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Asia, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m intentionally learning from the people and experiences around me. Attending networking events has given me access to seasoned entrepreneurs and creatives who share insights about scaling businesses, navigating challenges, and staying authentic in competitive industries. These connections keep me inspired and sharpen my perspective as I grow Von-Lee & Company.
I also learn a great deal from local business conferences. They give me the chance to hear directly from industry leaders and innovators while also connecting with peers who are building brands in real time. Every panel, workshop, and conversation becomes a masterclass in entrepreneurship, marketing, and leadership.
Most importantly, I’m learning from my customers. They are the heart of Von-Lee & Company, and their feedback, stories, and support guide everything I create. Listening to their needs, whether it’s the desire for sustainable materials, versatile designs, or cultural representation in fashion—helps me design with purpose and impact.
Altogether, these experiences remind me that learning doesn’t just come from textbooks or classrooms; it comes from the people you connect with and the communities you serve.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Asia Banks- Franklin, and I am the founder, designer, and creative director of Von-Lee & Company, a luxury handbag brand rooted in storytelling, craftsmanship, and community. As a Detroit- raised entrepreneur, with a background in graphic design and a master’s degree in Digital Marketing, I started Von-Lee & Company with a vision: to create handbags that not only elevate style but also empower women to carry their confidence, identity, and purpose with them every day.
Von-Lee & Company was born out of my lifelong love for design and storytelling. I began my entrepreneurial journey in creative industries nearly a decade ago, first through my own bakery business and later through freelance design work. What started as a passion for creating something beautiful and meaningful has now evolved into a brand that combines artistry, quality, and empowerment.
Our handbags are more than accessories; they are wearable art pieces inspired by culture, resilience, and self-expression. Each collection is designed to make women feel seen, celebrated, and powerful. The craftsmanship reflects both luxury and longevity, ensuring that our customers receive a piece that carries their story for years to come. At Von-Lee & Company, our mission is to empower women to embrace their individuality and walk in confidence. We believe that fashion is more than what you wear—it’s a reflection of who you are, your values, and the legacy you want to leave behind.
Our vision is to build a globally recognized lifestyle brand rooted in authenticity, creativity, and community. We aim to be a brand that not only produces beautifully crafted handbags but also invests in women, uplifts local talent, and inspires others to pursue their passions unapologetically.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who have shaped my work ethic the most are my family. My grandmother taught me the spirit of entrepreneurship and how to create opportunities, build with purpose, and excel at turning ideas into something impactful. My father instilled in me the value of hard work and perseverance, reminding me that consistency and determination are essential when striving toward personal goals. While my mother showed me the importance of having a relationship with Christ, teaching me that true success comes when everything I do is aligned with faith and purpose. Together, their lessons guide not only how I work, but also why I work.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
hrough suffering, I learned lessons that success alone could never teach. I experienced homelessness for almost three years, and during that time I discovered the true value of compassion, dignity, and kindness—largely because I wasn’t always treated with those things myself. I was exposed to circumstances and environments I should never have had to endure, but those experiences shaped me. They gave me the ability to see past someone’s current situation and connect with people on a deeper, more human level.
That season reminded me that every person carries a story, and often what they need most is not judgment, but understanding and respect.
While success can teach confidence and accomplishment, suffering taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of meaningful connection. Those lessons continue to guide how I lead, create, and serve—not just in my business, but in my community and in every relationship I build.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Even some of the smartest people in business are getting it wrong by failing to truly connect with their consumers. Too often, leaders chase flashy trends, complicated strategies, or what their competitors are doing, while overlooking what their customers actually need and value. But today, people crave more than products, they want to feel seen, heard, and valued. Businesses that get lost in algorithms or cling to outdated tactics risk losing trust, while those that step back, listen, and genuinely connect with the people who support them will build the deepest loyalty and the strongest communities.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I believe my customers would miss the genuine connection we’ve built and the originality of my designs. Beyond the products themselves, I’ve always made it a priority to listen, to understand their stories, and to create pieces that reflect who they are. That personal touch, paired with designs they can’t find anywhere else—is what sets my business apart. It’s not just about selling something; it’s about making people feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vonleeandcompany.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vonleeandcompany/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VonLeeandCo
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@vonleeandcompany
Image Credits
The Que Studio, Jasmine Lawrence, Malik Washington, Kevin Stewart, Sew Nice Glitz and Glam, Lenore Neal
