Disclosure: This is not a compensated or sponsored post. I was provided the product for review purposes only. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Today I want to share Maria Victoria bags. When I first saw these bags, I fell in love with it instantly. I am a self-proclaimed handbag lady in case you didn’t know this. So it was easy to find the perfect use for all the sizes and beautiful colors they had to offer. I love having a bag in every color and always on the lookout for new colors.

I got a chance to speak to the founder and she gave me so incredible insight into the brand that I would love to share with you.

The Story

We are a couple of friends, an architect and an industrial designer, and we’ve shared a profound passion for art and design since the moment we met. We are proud to be Mexican and we felt the need to show the world why Mexico’s art is considered to be one of the most interesting, as can be seen by admiring art-lovers worldwide.

Every corner of Mexico is rich in traditional artistic handcrafts that go from wood and plastic to textiles and jewelry. We offer a unique selection of Mexican handcrafts, each individually made by hand by dedicated Mexican artisans. Our commitment is to show how artistic and beautiful our culture is.

Where are the handbags made?

The handbags are designed by Paulina Nava and Carolina Sandoval and handmade in a small town near Guadalajara, Jalisco named Los Altos de Jalisco in a social rehabilitation program. This program is for women that have experienced abuse at home or men that have just gotten out of jail or drugs, it supports and helps them get back to society.

What are they made of?

The handbags hand-woven and made out of PVC plastic.

How did the company start?

Paulina Nava and Carolina Sandoval met in 2015 when both of them recently moved to Austin, TX. Carolina sent her a message on FB chat asking her if she would like to meet up for a play-date (they both had young babies at the time, Paulina a two-year-old boy and Carolina a six-month-old boy and girl twins) Paulina right away agree on meeting  and she came and picked Carolina and the twins up the next day and went to a  library nearby.

They both became friends right away and started sharing histories about how both had issues with fertility in the past, Carolina shared that she and her husband lost a 6 months old baby girl before having the twins while she was pregnant. Her name was Victoria. Fast forward one year later, Paulina and her husband decided to start trying for baby number two. Sadly, Paulina ends up losing the baby girl at 3 months pregnant, her name was Maria.

After what happened, their usual meetings at the coffee shop became more and more regular, Carolina was trying to comfort Paulina through her loss. Until one day that she picked up the phone and called Paulina and said, “Ok, this is enough, you need to start getting back on your feet and keep your mind busy so you can start getting better. Let ́s do something, everyone else here sells stuff; creams, oils, jewelry; why don’t we?” The next few words would completely change their lives. Paulina reply “Do you want to be my partner?” to what Carolina without knowing what they would be partnering on immediately said “Yes!”

The next day they met at the usual coffee shop and Paulina started explaining about the bags she knew were made in Guadalajara, from where she is from. They both agreed on that day about the product, but they were just missing a name. They went online started looking for ideas. Until one day when they were talking on the phone about how they would love to show how beautiful Mexican culture is, they thought the name had no other choice but to be Mexican. They both became quiet for a second and one of them said, what about MARIA VICTORIA in memory of our two little ones? The rest is history and everyday day passes by they keep thanking the universe for letting them meet that day.

Where you can find Maria Victoria?

Maria Victoria started in 2017. Right now, you can find our bags in about 130 boutiques around the USA and other countries such as Costa Rica, Japan, Dominican Republic, x Europe.

Future Endeavors

We just launched a new collection of colorful towels perfect for working out, yoga, the pool ,or any other activity. They are made out of microfiber, so they dry super quick, and just like our bags, they fold so they won’t take space on your luggage. The next product are is sandals, also waterproof but stylish enough for an everyday look. At the moment we are also working on a project of hats for women and some beachwear.

Who are our Artisans?

Maria Victoria is proud to work with artisans who are a part of social reform enterprises in Mexico learning how to make high-end textile goods, like our handbags. Because of the emphasis within Mexico on this type of vocational training, life skills, and long-term rehabilitation within these programs, it greatly impacts the success of a second chance. We offer our artisans fair trade opportunities where they can be creative, work independently, and have an improved quality of life. We have seen first hand that it gives them a strong sense of purpose, through a skill that is nurtured. With every purchase, you too contribute to the betterment of others and we are grateful for your support in these endeavors.

What is Fair Trade?

Trade-in which fair prices are paid to our artisans. In other words, our artisans set the price and we pay it. We do not negotiate prices. We pay for all pieces, even if they are flawed and unable to be used.

Who are our customers?

Women from 30-55 years old.

What does she love about your brand?

They love our designs and the fact that the bags are handmade in Mexico by a social rehabilitation program.

What does she look for in a product?

The bags are durable, foldable, and easy to wash.

These bags are so durable and versatile. In my large bags, you will see me carrying so much stuff from files to all of my keys, hand sanitizer, and face masks. No big deal if someone spills anything, it is easy to wipe up.

This bag is great for traveling and can easily transition into a night out for dinner, or a movie.

Do you own a Maria Victoria bag? Which one did you get?