We are all on our own journey, on a quest to fill our souls; many of us stumble across things that can inspire us and sometimes in the most unexpected places.

7 years ago I took time off work to look after a friend that lived on the other side of the Atlantic in a very remote town that couldn’t be more different than the hustle and bustle of daily life working in London. There, I was introduced to The Secret DVD. Avid reader that I am, I of course bought the book! I found it truly inspirational. That’s when my journey began without even realizing it.

I began reading these types of books on my daily commute into London. But in the underground, it feels like a million eyes are watching you. I felt people were thinking: “Why does this woman want to change her life, could her life be that bad?” I needed something that would keep my reading private, my books pristine and carry all my other important things such as my cell, travel pass, cash, keys, a pen etc. for my journey.

One evening, an idea popped into my head; “I need a book cover that could carry different book sizes and accommodate various book thicknesses, practical with style!” I searched the market but I could not find what I was looking for. My husband, Basil, suggested that I make one.

Ha! Knowing I do not like to sew a button on he knew I was serious when I went shopping for material and made my first book bag! As I proudly paraded up and down the hallway, Basil commented “There are many bookworms like you that would love to carry their books; I think you are on to something.”

Time went on. Then one day I had been working for a few years with a lady, but as managers, our paths only crossed periodically. Cutting a long story short; I worked at the flagship store in London and this lady came to cover for my colleague. Usually the store is very busy but as fate would have it, that day the power was down so we could not allow customers in the store due to health and safety, leaving us more time for chit chat. She mentioned that her husband had manufacturing connections. Immediately I recalled The Secret and I had such a powerful thought; we DO attract what we deeply desire.

I came home and immediately shared my day with Basil. He started laughing! We just had to go for the adventure to develop what has become Bagabook. My son came up with the name, which seemed to sum it up really well.

I passionately believe people love to carry books around – taking our eyes off the screen a bit. And so with my husband’s technical mind, we refined my homemade prototype to what it is today!

I would encourage anyone to follow their biggest desires because they will grow beyond belief along the way and you will attract all that you need.

Many people inspire us, which enables us to unlock our dreams. Mine started with The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. Thank you Rhonda for the key.

Susan Doha