Sasaki Bags: September 2012

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Yes, I know it has been eons since I have written in my blog! I had a very busy summer! My daughter visited me and we took some "mother-daughter" time. We rented a house on the other side of the island so that I would be completely away from work. What a beautiful spot right on the ocean!

We did some exploring and even found this hidden thermal pool that Sarah jumped into.

We came back for the "main event" that we had been looking forward to. The Kona half Marathon. It was Sarah's first race since she was little and my first in many years. I completed the Honolulu Marathon back in 1995 but my body has aged just a little since then. It was interesting to note that my daughter is now in the same age category for the race that I was the last time I ran! We had a great day. We both even set PRs since neither of us had a half marathon under our "spandex" belt before! It was a gorgeous day to be in Kona and I felt blessed to have my kid with me.

Then, just a few days after she left, MM and I went back over to the same area for our anniversary. We stayed in a different little house and had a nice time. It rained quite a bit so I got to teach him how to play Nerts and we enjoyed the hot tub. We went to the farmers market and ate out. A favorite activity!

You never know what you may see at the local grocery store. As we were leaving, we saw this guy on a bike with two chickens in his bike basket. On the bottom of the basket is a rubber chicken! It cracked me up! In this photo only the white chicken was in the basket. The owner was over at the car showing the black one to some little kids.

Then in July, I flew out to see my mom. It was a tough trip in some ways because....well, dad wasn't there. There were some tears and just getting used to the way things are now. We miss dad everyday. Mom and I took a road trip together over to Montana to see some relatives. It was so nice seeing everyone again.

In July I was awarded a nice large contract for a corporate group that will keep me busy! It is for a company that I have done bags for in the past and such a joy to have repeat customers. They chose very different bags this time. I think that their guests will love them!

Around the first of September, a dream that I have had for about 4 years came closer to fruition. I was licensed by a local artist to use some of her prints to have fabric professionally manufactured for the use of making my bags. The artist is one of my favorites. She is not afraid of color! Really! I will tell you who very soon!

I have a lot of work to do before this project will hit the shelves of stores in Hawaii. I am sourcing all of my hardware to achieve a particular look. I am making samples for approval by the artist and researching a couple of new boutiques that will be a good fit for this upscale line of bags. I have to cost out all of my expenses including licensing royalties and put together pricing. Did I mention how much work this is? But I am thrilled! The colors are vibrant and tropical. I have even created some "bag bling" or handbag "jewelry" for one of the styles using cowry shells to complete the island flavor. Obviously, I will be releasing more information in the coming weeks. Color selections will include "Mango", "Ocean", and "Orchid" and are not for the faint of heart! Here is a sneak peak of the bags I am sampling:

So now you know that I haven't just been sitting around spitting watermelon seeds all summer long! Nope! This kid has a dream and knows that dreams only come true when you wake up and work your butt off! Speaking of working my butt off....I also joined a gym! So in my "spare time" I am trying to work on taking better care of myself. I know my dad would approve.

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

Sunday, September 16, 2012

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