Sasaki Bags: Lei Chic

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Lei Chic

The day before we left for Volcano, I was contacted by Lei Chic, an online fashion magazine. We talked about my bags and "my story" about how I got started etc. and she told me that they would probably be getting back in touch with me after her editor looked over the info. Well...we left for Volcano, I put my Etsy shop on vacation mode which means people can't even view my items. When I got home yesterday, I had 175 new emails....many were from customers who had seen the feature that took place while we were "unplugged". It took about 2 hours to answer all the emails but I appreciate the fact that so many bothered to contact me.

This week I get another chance because it seems that Lei Chic loves my Divas and my Yoga Mat Bags too with the recycled kimono and obis. So they are planning a special feature. I am not sure what day it will go out, but am definately open for business!

Today I made this new yoga mat bag from a child's kimono. It is so colorful! It has peacocks on it that the fanned feathers look like brightly colored hearts. I wish I was a better photographer, because this bag is stunning. I added a hidden zippered pocket for that smoothie money for after yoga!

1 comment:

Regina Moore said...: How exciting! Congratulations!!; July 5, 2009 at 11:28 AM

Post a Comment

About me:

Sasaki Bags are made in Hawaii by me, Barb Sasaki. I have been an entrepeneur at heart as long as I can remember. As kids growing up in North Idaho, my sister and I were always figuring out some way to make extra money. At times we collected discarded glass bottles to redeem for cash. We would take our loot and go to the nearest bowling alley. Our money would usually pay for one game of bowling, which we split, and one pair of shoes so we would just keep trading off the shoes for who ever was "on deck". Being the youngest, meant the bowling shoes were usually 2 sizes too big!

I have made Hawaii my home since July of 1994. In 2006, I was injured at work. I had a pretty hard time accepting that I was physically unable to do the work I had done before. I guess I had always correlated my self-worth with my income so when that dwindled, so did my self esteem. While recovering from surgery on the second shoulder, I decided to take my future back into my own hands and find a way to make some money and a little self -worth at the same time. I had come to realize through the extended time away from the workforce, that women sometimes need to buy themselves something just to make them feel good. The 'ole "retail therapy"!

Being a woman whose weight is always up and down, purchasing clothing was merely depressing but buying jewelry or a handbag could cheer me up. I got to thinking that I surely wasn't alone. Other women must enjoy affordable "treats" too!

At first I began making the wristlet which has become my signature bag because I could not carry a shoulder bag following the surgeries. Then I discovered that they held pretty much everything I ever needed to carry. I found joy in creating bags that made me smile. That is why you will see so many novelty bags in my line. When I make a bag that cracks me up, that is a good day! (*see my watermelon bag!)

I also love making the elegant evening bag. (*see Sienna) Adding silk and feathers to a simple design and watching it come to life. That is how my Diva collection was born. Some bags just ask to be given a name and a proper birthday. I don't name "my girls" until they are completely finished. Some of them I labor long and hard on. Some come a little easier...but they are all a part of me.

I hope you enjoy Sasaki Bags. I am always seeking inspiration in everyday life. If you have a hobby or profession you would like to show off to the world...let me know about it and perhaps I can translate it into a one of a kind bag...just for you.

Aloha,
Barb Sasaki

Sasaki Bags

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Lei Chic

1 comment:

My Groupies

Blog Archive