In a little over a year, “Beyond the Gates” has carved out a unique path in the soap opera world with a gifted Black-led cast, authentic dialogue and luxury fashion chosen by Daytime Emmy-winning costume designer Jeresa Featherstone. The CBS series has also taken viewers into Fairmont Crest on and offscreen, starting with a certain rising purse empire.

Founded by Chelsea Hamilton and Katherine “Kat” Richardson, who are portrayed by RhonniRose Mantilla and Colby Nixon, “ChelseaKat” has become a phenomenon, consistently bringing in new customers and even securing partnerships with Fenmore’s Boutique (Y&R) and the Tokyo Fashion Collective.

Since its launch one year ago, ChelseaKat has released three handbags, brought to life and sold in collaboration with Alexandria Alli’s F&W Style, a high-end handbag and accessories company based in Atlanta.

F&W Style and Alli have helped ChelseaKat’s Dream, Anita Baby and Darling bags generate buzz, prioritizing style and sustainability, with each purse made primarily from vegan leather. This Black women-owned business is clearly just getting started.

It Started With a Dream

Not long after the “Beyond the Gates” premiere, it was revealed that Hamilton and Richardson were in the early days of starting their business. They had big plans not only to create a purse line, but to build an entire fashion empire over time.

Hamilton, still modeling at the time, was initially afraid to tell her “momager,” Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley), that she was ready to move on to a new chapter and build her own legacy. With Richardson’s support and encouragement, the young designer broke the news to her mother.

Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla, left) and Kat Richardson (Colby Nixon, right) spend time together at the country club. Photo provided by Quantrell Colbert/CBS.

On the Runway

Hamilton agreed to have her modeling finale and walk the runway one last time at Dani Dupree’s charity fashion show, on the condition that she could show off a prototype of a ChelseaKat handbag, drawing attention to the young company and kicking off the line.

The show, held at the country club, was a huge success, and Hamilton announced her “next challenge” by displaying the purse she designed. The rising entrepreneur took the opportunity to thank her supermodel mother for teaching her everything she knows. Hamilton also reminded the world what a great role model she had growing up.

The first ever purse designed by Chelsea Hamilton, which was showcased at Dani Dupree’s charity fashion show. Photo provided by Quantrell Colbert/CBS.

Ready for the Launch

The ChelseaKat co-founders were set to make a splash with a big launch party for their company. However, Hamilton was unexpectedly and brutally kidnapped from her home and held captive by her ex, Allison Bailey (Brianna Roberts). Richardson, Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Dr. Madison Montgomery (Kenjah McNeil) put everything on the line to rescue the handbag designer.

After Hamilton was brought home safely, she and Richardson pivoted and hosted a virtual launch on Sept. 29 from their home. The cousin duo livestreamed the event, showcasing the first-ever ChelseaKat Dream bag.

Sales went through the roof. According to their junior ambassador and niece, Samantha Richardson-Smith (Najah Jackson), every preorder was filled, and their “DMs were flooded.”

Alexandria Alli (left), Colby Nixon (middle) and RhonniRose Mantilla (right) release the ChelseaKat Dream bag to the world. Photo provided by Chris Reel/CBS.

Giving the People What They Want

The Dream bag was immediately in high demand. F&W Style brought the sold-out purse back in Nov. 2025 with new colors, just in time for the holidays. This line included colorways such as Pumpkin Spice, Two-tone Green and Pink and Green. The renowned handbag returned once again in 2026, honoring legacy and college Greek life.

RhonniRose Mantilla (left) and Colby Nixon (right) posing with the Pumpkin Spice and Two-tone Green ChelseaKat Dream bag. Photo provided by Chris Reel/CBS.

The Anita Baby

Christmas with the Duprees is significant in many ways. While the prestigious family presented gifts to each other, Hamilton and Richardson surprised Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) with an unreleased ChelseaKat purse, which they announced would be dubbed the “Anita Baby” bag in their grandmother’s honor. This star-studded purse went on sale with F&W Style on Dec. 24, 2025, and was restocked in early 2026 with more colors.

On Christmas, Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) was gifted the ChelseaKat Anita Baby bag by her granddaughters. Photo provided by Quantrell Colbert/CBS.

Here Comes the Darling Bag

The ChelseaKat Darling bag is the company’s latest release, launched in Sep. 2026. Made with sherpa, the purse is set to be perfect for the fall and winter months. 9-1-1 dispatcher Darlene Hawthorne (Monique Mosee) was ecstatic to receive the green colored handbag from her son, Izaiah Hawthorne (Lami Friebe), who Richardson had offered it to.

This line is particularly unique because it’s the first out of the entire ChelseaKat empire to be sold in a large size, making it the right fit for boss women in the business world. The Darling bag is sure to be a hit, just like its predecessors.

Colby Nixon (left) and RhonniRose Mantilla (right) launch the ChelseaKat Darling bag with F&W Style. Photo provided by Shine Inc Photography.

Fans all over the world can now order the ChelseaKat Darling bag on the F&W Style website at www.fwstyle.com. You can also watch Chelsea Hamilton and Kat Richardson expand their fashion empire on “Beyond the Gates,” which airs on CBS at 2 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.