Hi Samantha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It’s a long story I went to school for computer programming spent 8 years programming. I didn’t love it because it wasn’t very creative. I then went to interior design school did interior design for about 10 years until the housing market crash around 2007. Then I started creating patterns for my own fabrics which eventually led me to learning how to sew. I started making pillows then bags. I was looking for a products that wasn’t leather that I could pair with my fabrics that would make my bags last longer and I ran across somebody who was selling cork on Etsy and I asked for sample. That was over 10 years ago and I’ve been using cork ever since. I recently transitioned to all cork bags without any fabrics to further increase longevity and to be more competitive with leather bags on the market.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, not smooth. Making bags is very time-consuming plus coming up with new styles, selling, marketing, and everything else a business to do….. As an artist I want to keep making new styles and learn new techniques, but that is not how a business makes money.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In an effort to stand out from all the other bag makers I chose to find a vegan leather alternative, which led me to cork. Cork really helps me stand out in the marketplace. It’s different and not available everywhere, so people are very interested in it and it’s characteristics. I’ve used cork for over 10 years now. I know what it can and can’t do. Actually cork can be used much like leather, I’ve created techniques to use cork in hand stitched bags just like the high end leather bag makers do. Cork is very versatile, durable, soft, sustainable, and easy to clean.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
It is not widely known that my career path has taken me from working as a computer programmer to an interior designer, then to a fabric and furniture designer, and finally to my current passion as a handbag designer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nestpure.com
- Instagram: nestpure
