For expert monogramming, personalized stationery, and custom gifts, one beloved Leesburg business has been the trusted source for decades. 

Now with Kim Paulling at the helm, the legacy started by her Aunt Dell continues at a new address.

In the 1970s, Dell Ross started a home business making handbags embellished with embroidery. She called her clever creations “Doggibags” and set up shop in downtown Leesburg in 1983. 

“We’re a third-generation hometown Leesburg family,” says Kim. “I wanted to learn to sew and when I was 20, Aunt Dell called my bluff and said, ‘Be here at 5:00 on Saturday morning,’ and yes, I showed up!”

She learned to sew and still loves it.

While Kim and her husband Kevin raised two children, Karley and Kannon, Kim worked for the Lake County School system for 17 years.

“The plan was always that when Aunt Dell retired, Kevin and I were going to take over Doggibags, but sadly, cancer took him two years ago,” says Kim. 

She stuck to the plan, retired from the school system and now has her dream job after Aunt Dell and her husband, Guy, moved to his hometown of Reidsville, North Carolina.

Doggibags by KimmE offers personalization, baby gifts, and fast, expert monogramming on name brand apparel of all types. The shop also has a DTF (digital transfer film) machine. 

“The beauty of this machine is that there’s no quantity limit like with screen printing; I can print one or 300 shirts, so it’s great for family reunions, businesses, teams and groups,” says Kim.

Nothing is outsourced. All work is completed in-house. If you’re a former customer of Dell’s, rest assured, Kim has all her old files and logos.

After she took over Doggibags this February, Kim moved it into the building she owned on North Canal Street just off Main Street. The business name includes Kevin’s nickname for her, KimmE.

Some people walk in expecting to find doggie treats or supplies. They quickly realize it’s not a dog shop, but if you want to personalize a bandana or collar for your dog, Kim can certainly do that. Customers also enjoy meeting “Princess Jazmynn,” Kim’s sweet English Springer Spaniel, who accompanies her to work every day.

“They say you never work if you love what you do and this is definitely my happy place,” says Kim. “I can’t wait to get to work every day.”