BOSTON -- When you see Britney Spears carrying something you created, you know you've got it made.

At least that's how it happened for Tamara Freedman, a 29-year-old Boston resident and designer of Tamara Handbags.

Growing up in Marblehead, Mass., Freedman had a passion for fashion; not only for creating her own designs, but also to one day have her own fashion label.

"I've always been interested in (fashion) for a career," she said. "I always wanted to have my own company and be designing."

After graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in fashion design, Freedman worked for prominent designers Liz Claiborne and Ralph Lauren in New York City. She started out designing clothing for Claiborne, then started creating handbags, and was eventually recruited by Lauren.

However, after Sept. 11th, 2001, Freedman decided to leave the New York fashion world, move closer to her hometown and follow her dreams of starting her own company.

"After Sept. 11th I wanted to move back to Boston," she said. "There's just not a lot of fashion here."

But Freedman was ready to start a Boston fashion scene all her own. She started her company a year ago, creating handbags that she describes as "preppy, fun and girly." Her New England roots have become her muse.

"I get my inspiration from magazines and trends that are happening," she said. "Just being from this area, my bags are kind of Nantucket-inspired."

Freedman's bags feature bright pinks and blues, details such as tiny bows, as well as her signature heart logo on each purse.

"My bags are very girly," she said. "I just love hearts and that's just the look I wanted to go for."

All of Freedman's bags are named after special women in her life; some examples are the "Kimmy" clutch bag and the "LeeAnn" shoulder bag.

"Family members and all my friends have bags named after them," Freedman said. "Everyone loves it because everyone wants to have the bag that has your name on it."

So how did well-known fashionista Ms. Spears get her hands on a Tamara Handbag?

Turns out that Freedman provided handbags for all the female performers at radio station KISS 108's concert at the Tweeter Center in May of last year. Spears was the host of the event, so Freedman gave the pop star two of her bags. Two months later, Spears was photographed by US Weekly magazine strolling through JFK airport - carrying Freedman's hot pink "Algeria" tote.

"She's given so many bags, I'm sure," Freedman said of Spears. "I couldn't believe that she was carrying mine … that helped launch my career."

Other stars such as singer and "Newlywed" Jessica Simpson have her bags as well, but it gives Freedman just as much pleasure to see non-celebs carrying her bags around town.

"Actually, around Boston I've become pretty well-known," she said. "I've been in Lucky magazine twice and people have starting recognizing my bags. I love seeing my own name because for years I've been designing for other people. It feels good to have my name on my bags."

Freedman not only enjoys her newfound fame, but also the freedom designing for her own company has offered her. However, with this freedom comes a great deal of hard work.

"I love everything because it's such a variety every day. I don't have a set schedule…every day is different," she said. "I can make my own hours, but it's a lot of work doing everything on your own…I also have a passion more (for this) than working for another company because my it's my own line and I want to make it the best it can be."

So what's in store for next season's line? Freedman did not give too much away but said that it's definitely worth looking forward to.

"My spring/summer 2004 line is absolutely adorable, that's all I can say," she said. "It's my best line yet … I'm really excited."

The busy designer is headed to trade shows in New York, Chicago, and Atlanta to publicize her bags.

Despite her company's growing popularity, Freedman still is amazed by her success.

"I think if I can do it anyone can," she said. "I just kind of had a vision. I knew I could do it on my own. Everything I've learned I've learned by experience. I didn't know anything about having my own company … but it's grown so fast, it's better than I ever thought."

Tamara Handbags are available at Arden B. stores and other boutiques around the country. For more information and store locations click here.