Sasaki Bags: July 2010

Friday, July 23, 2010

Mahalo to ReallyHawaiian

A big Mahalo to Ginger over at ReallyHawaiian.com who featured Sasaki Bags in an ad in Ke Ola Magazine. It looks great and has already brought me some new customers! Check out her website for other wonderful items that are made right here in Hawaii.

a hui hou

Back on the Rock!

Well, after a busy and full week with my family, I am back in Hawaii and have the treadle to the metal! My latest diva is in the Holualoa design (bucket bag). She is 100% silk. Her exterior was once an obi and her lining was a haori (short kimono jacket type of garment). Kiku was hard to photograph because 3/4 of her exterior is gold metallic threads. Luscious!

I also got an order from the featured ad in Ke Ola Magazine for a Buddha's Cup bag. In addition, this week I found time to finish another bag from my order list. Thank you again to my wonderful customers for your patience and understanding while I spend more time with my parents.

Postings can be expected to be brief as I just have SO much to do these days, but I wanted to atleast drop by and let you all know I am alive and well!

With regards to my dad, he begins treatment to fight the cancer on Monday. He is such a strong and inspirational man! I am really proud that he is my dad! Right now he is doing very well. Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers. He is in good hands with my mom. The doctors have put her in charge of his nutrition. I pity the person who tries to get between her and dad right now. She vows to be glued to his side through all of this. As she pretty much has been for the past 53 years! I truly am blessed.

a hui hou

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

Friday, July 23, 2010

Mahalo to ReallyHawaiian

Back on the Rock!

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