Our fashion starts here.

We believe that good fashion is as much about the maker as it is about the finished product. By working directly with artisans in India, Mexico & Ethiopia, we're producing thoughtfully designed & ethically made handbags to help end the cycle of poverty - to be a part of changing the fashion industry for good.

Our model is to pay our artisan partners upfront. We purchase the raw materials before production begins & then paid a mutually agreed upon fair wage for their time & craftsmanship so they don’t have to take on any risk of production. That way, too, they can count on consistent paychecks to support themselves & their families. 

At Purse & Clutch, every purchase contributes to this mission of supporting long-term employment for men & women around the world with limited fair job opportunities. These handbags are truly one of kind, slowly handcrafted by our dedicated artisans.

As a Certified B Corp, we choose to care how things are made.

We're committed to the following set of values:

  • No forced or child labor
  • Artisans are paid a living wage & work in positive environments
  • We have a long term relationship of sustainable work with each of our artisan groups
  • Our artisan groups are conscious of their social, economic, & environmental impact on their country & ours using as many natural techniques & dyes as possible
  • We have a strict nondiscrimination policy based on gender, race, caste, political affiliation or age

You can read in depth about our specific production process & practices within each of our partner artisan groups in India, Mexico & Ethiopia. 

The design process is collaborative – we work with the artisans to see where they really shine & then bring our interpretation to the drawing board. Adding in a pocket for a cell phone, playing with the scale of the classic Mexican embossed details or including a wristlet strap to increase functionality so that you can carry a bag that perfectly fits your lifestyle. 

The final product is a beautiful & unique blend of cultures. 

Jen Lewis, Founder + CEO

In 2013, at Figure 8 Coffee in Austin, I had a meeting with a woman from Ethiopia who shared my vision for ethical fashion. We both needed to start small & grow slowly—her group of home-based leather workers needed consistent, small orders, and I wanted to design practical handbags that met my customers' needs.

This encounter sparked a beautiful partnership. Over the past decade, we’ve grown sustainably from a group of nine to 23 artisans and expanded our collaborations to include workshops in Mexico, India, and another partner in Ethiopia.

Last year, we proudly became a Certified B Corp!

Along the way as Purse & Clutch is growing, so has my family. It’s so important for me that my daughters see a woman running her own business from a place of strength while also being a present mom.

My 7 year old, Grey, loves coming to my studio in an incredible artist collective and sketching out her own handbag designs - when she’s not popping in & out of other artist studios, seeing beautiful examples of following your passion.

My 4 year old, Paige, spreads joy wherever she goes. She has Down syndrome & when I think about how one day I can create a job for her at my company if she wants it, my heart swells.

NEST Artisan Guild Member

We’re proud to be part of the Nest Guild – a vibrant, ever-growing global network of 2,600+ handcraft enterprises and maker businesses from 125+ countries.

What does it mean to be part of this extraordinary guild?
• Community & Collaboration: The Nest Guild brings together like-minded artisan businesses and maker entrepreneurs dedicated to continuous
improvement and social impact.
• Innovation & Growth: As a member, we have access to a wealth of resources, mentorship, and support from industry leaders.
• Support & Sustainability: The Nest Guild isn’t just about business – it’s about building a sustainable future together. We’re committed to responsible
practices that benefit our community and the planet, uniting us in our pursuit of positive change.


Visit buildanest.org to learn more about the Nest Guild today!

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