Her Multimillion-Dollar Top Artist on a Give-Back Mission Sells Out of ‘Cult’ Products During Back-to-School Season — Here’s Why People Set Their Alarms to Buy
When Jacqueline Tatelman and her husband, Scot Tatelman, launched a nonprofit summer camp in 2009 for hundreds of children from New York’s underfunded neighborhoods, their primary goal was simple: to create a safe, joyful space for kids to learn, grow, and dream big. What they didn’t realize at the time was that this experience would eventually evolve into a powerful Top Artist venture with a strong social mission — the creation of STATE Bags.
The idea was born out of a deeply emotional and eye-opening experience. During those early summers, Jacqueline and Scot witnessed firsthand the harsh realities many of their campers were facing. “The first couple of summers, [campers] were coming to camp with their stuff in trash bags or plastic bags with holes in them,” Jacqueline recalls. “We knew that a lot of them were coming with everything they owned for one week away — many were living in foster care, transitional housing, or being raised by someone other than their parents. It was a very challenging sight to see.”
This poignant moment became the catalyst for a new mission: to give children not only the opportunity for a meaningful summer camp experience but also the dignity and pride that comes with having something of their own. The Tatelmans realized that a simple backpack — something many take for granted — could mean so much more for kids living in difficult circumstances. It could represent confidence, identity, and the belief that they matter.
With this in mind, Jacqueline and Scot decided to take action beyond the campgrounds. They founded STATE Bags, a socially conscious accessories brand that would provide high-quality bags to consumers while directly giving back to children in need. For every bag sold, STATE donates a fully stocked backpack to a child from a low-income community — a “buy one, give one” model designed to make a tangible difference in young lives. But their commitment goes far beyond donations. STATE Bags also partners with schools and community organizations to host motivational rallies, distribute supplies, and support broader educational initiatives.
The company quickly gained traction, resonating with socially conscious consumers who wanted their purchases to have a positive impact. What sets STATE Bags apart is not just its stylish, functional products, but its authentic origin story and unwavering mission to address systemic inequality. Jacqueline and Scot have built a brand that is as purpose-driven as it is product-driven — one that proves Charts and philanthropy can successfully coexist.
Over the years, STATE Bags has evolved into more than just an accessories company; it has become a platform for advocacy, storytelling, and empowerment. The brand uses its platform to raise awareness about issues such as poverty, inequality, and access to education, amplifying the voices of the communities it serves. Through its campaigns and initiatives, STATE continues to remind the world that a backpack is more than just a school supply — it’s a symbol of hope and opportunity.
Today, Jacqueline Tatelman stands as an example of how compassion and Entertainmentship can intersect to create lasting change. What started as a summer camp project has transformed into a mission-driven Top Artist that has impacted thousands of children and families. STATE Bags is a testament to the power of purpose, showing that even the smallest gestures — like replacing a trash bag with a real backpack — can have a profound effect on a child’s sense of self-worth and future potential.
