August Design Your Own Orders are OUT!
Happy almost OCTOBER! I cannot believe tomorrow is October 1. I just wrapped up about 20 custom Design Your Own orders from the end of August. I poured my heart into these bags, wallet, and pouches. It was a lot of working getting back into the swing of DYO at-home production after having help last month from the team of artisans I hire.
Ready to get personal? I am trying to manage recurring body pain that I have due to repetitive movements and sitting that happens while I’m in the leather workshop. The main reason I wanted my production team to work on Design Your Own production was so I could find more time to relieve some stress and strengthen some of my muscles. There were other reasons like finding more time to design new styles, photography, marketing… but sometimes, things don’t work out as planned, right? Even if we manifest it, plan for it, and actually try it. I have considered hiring a local personal assistant and I did get help this summer (thanks Greta!!) but maybe saying yes to less custom orders will be smart move for now.
I only accepted 10 Design Your Own orders for my October 12th turnaround, so that I could be kinder to my body AND because my husband and I will be going to Spain. I cannot wait!! I have been CRAVING a new cultural experience. I’ve only left the USA for Mexico and Canada… which is crazy to me because since I’ve been little, I’ve wanted to see and experience more of our world. Did you know I’m partially Spaniard? Yes, hello, colonialism. I am half indigenous Mexican and half Spaniard, and I was born in Chicago. I very strongly identify with my Mexican heritage so it’ll be interesting to connect to my Spanish heritage. There are many reasons I’m excited to go to Spain with my husband though traveling with him is just the most fun, and I hope to come across some beautiful products made by Spanish leatherworkers or leathers harvested and tanned from the region.
ANYWAY - you may have learned a little more about me from this post. That’s great, I want you all to feel like you know me a little better, and I want you to know why I roll the way I do. I’m excited to show you most of the orders I finished this month. I’m leaving out a small collection though (Lauren B’s newest bubblegum pink bags!) because I still need to take photos of them. I came down with that nasty virus that put the world into a pandemic a few years ago and I’m slowly coming out of it while trying to deal with personal life matters. It’s a wild ride being me lol, and being an artist and running a small business. But you all show up for me, you love my work, you share my work, and I am so grateful. - Alexz
