I'm a big fan of all of the amazing independent designers out there. In an effort to get inside the mind of the indie designer and find out just what makes all of these creative types tick, I present to you an ongoing segment I call Indie Designer Interviews.

Today's interview is with Merle OBrien, the Aspen, Colorado-based designer behind a line of eco handbags called OlovesM, which were recently handed out to celebs attending the Sundance Film Festival. These fashionable and environmentally friendly bags feature predominantly recycled materials, including a snazzy sport/diaper bag made from repurposed yoga mats.

How did you get started as a designer? I was in yoga class and the idea for my bags just popped into my head, so I ran off my mat and started doing a ton of research, and cut and sewed a lot of prototypes until I figured it out. I am one of those people who is always thinking about ideas, and some seem to work, while others just help me learn more do's and dont's about business!!

What inspires your work? Everything around me! I am lucky to live in a beautiful place, which does not hurt when it comes to inspiration. Also yoga class, this is a time just for me -- most of the class I am focused on my breath, but when it all clicks, I do start to think of new fun ideas for the bags. My boys, who are 5 and 9 always keep me on my toes, they ask me questions about the bags which actually is great, since it gets me thinking about how I could create something for them, or what colors they like, etc.. They also like to be a part of mommy's business.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Yes, follow your passion -- do what you love and really, it will work out! I think when you believe in what you are doing, others can see this, and also want it, so in my case the bags seem to really make people happy to use and wear them. You also have to be OK with knowing when you try something new, you will never fail, but it is all a learning experience. I think having this attitude really helped me to just go for it with my OlovesM bags.

Who are your favorite designers? I have to admit, I am a thrift shop junkie -- and have been since I was young! I love a lot of Yoga lines, Prana, Be present, Om Girl, love the graphics, sayongs and they are just comfy clothes! Indie designers are the best of course! And the jewelry is my fav from them!!

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves?
J-41 shoes, I love these, they are comfy and cute!
Long and Lean GAP pants -- used of course ;)
my Running Right water bottle -- to make sure I drink a TON of water
and of course living in the mountains, a good gortex coat -- can never have enough of them!!

Where can people find your work? I am so excited to say, my bags are in about 60 stores!! You can find them at my site www.olovesm.com and just click on the Retailers section to find one close to you! More and more stores are catching on to the indie way of OLovesM, so check back often.