We were lucky to catch up with Chau Saenz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Chau, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, let’s take a stroll down memory lane, back to when you were an apprentice or intern. What’s a memorable story from that time that you can share with us?
When I think about apprenticeship, I immediately go back to my time training in leathercraft in San Francisco, where I had the opportunity to learn under a Hermès master artisan.
What stood out to me wasn’t just the technical skill—it was the tradition, the attention to detail, and the patience behind it. I learned early on that creating high-quality pieces requires time and a deep understanding of technique. My teacher was meticulous, but also encouraged us to be creative and original while still honoring the discipline of making something that lasts.
That really stayed with me.
It taught me that true craftsmanship isn’t about speed or even perfection—it’s about respect for the process. Every cut, every stitch, every edge has intention behind it. You can’t fake that.
That experience shaped how I approach my brand today. I produce in small quantities, I take my time, and I’m very intentional about the materials and construction. It’s also why I design pieces meant to last—not just physically, but emotionally.
Looking back, that apprenticeship didn’t just teach me how to make a bag—it taught me how to think, how to slow down, and how to build something with integrity.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
I’m the founder and leather artisan behind Chau Sáenz, a luxury handbag brand rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and intentional design.
My path into this work wasn’t traditional. I began in journalism, drawn to telling human stories—understanding people, their experiences, and what they carry with them. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a different medium: physical objects. I became fascinated by the idea that a handbag isn’t just an accessory—it holds someone’s daily life, their memories, their transitions.
That perspective led me to formally train in leathercraft in San Francisco, where I studied under a Hermès master artisan. That experience shaped everything for me. I learned that true luxury isn’t about logos or trends—it’s about discipline, patience, and an uncompromising respect for materials and process.
Through Chau Sáenz, I create small-batch, handcrafted handbags designed to last—both physically and emotionally. Body inclusivity is central to my work, something often overlooked in luxury. I intentionally design longer straps so each piece can be worn comfortably across different body types. I also prioritize versatility, allowing each bag to adapt to different moments in someone’s life.
My work sits at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and personal storytelling. I’m not interested in fast fashion or mass production—every piece is created in limited quantities, with the intention that it becomes something you live with, not something you replace.
A signature element of the brand is the intentional use of pink. It’s not about trend—it’s personal. Pink pays tribute to my original name, given by my grandfather, which means “pink flower” or “rose.” In feng shui, pink represents self-love, and each piece is meant to serve as a quiet reminder to care for yourself—no matter what you’re carrying.
What I’m most proud of is the response when people experience the bags in person—especially during my first pop-up, where I sold a significant portion of the collection and connected directly with customers. There’s something deeply meaningful about seeing someone choose a piece not because of hype, but because it resonates with them.
At its core, Chau Sáenz is about creating objects that carry stories—pieces that feel personal, that age with you, and that are meant to be part of your life for years to come.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I’ve had several pivots in my life, but looking back, they all feel connected.
Early on, I was pursuing acting, which was a dream of mine at the time. But I made the decision to step away from it to support my now-husband and the life we were building together. That led me into marketing, where I found stability and learned a different set of skills.
Then we relocated to San Francisco for my husband’s job, and I stepped away from my career again to become a stay-at-home mom. That was another major shift—one that taught me patience, presence, and a deeper understanding of what it means to build a life, not just a career.
At the time, each of these decisions felt like I was moving further away from something I once wanted. But in reality, I was being shaped by each chapter.
Throughout all of it, there was a quiet dream I carried—to become a handbag designer. I didn’t know how it would happen, and for a long time, it felt out of reach. But my husband always believed it would happen, even before I did.
Eventually, I decided to take that leap. I trained in leathercraft, committed to the discipline of learning the craft, and began building what is now Chau Sáenz.
What I’ve come to realize is that none of those pivots were detours—they were necessary. They gave me perspective, resilience, and a deeper sense of purpose. They also grounded me in what truly matters: family, intention, and creating something meaningful.
Today, I’m not just building a brand—I’m living a dream that took years to take shape, supported by my husband and inspired by my son.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Chau Sáenz is entirely self-funded, which is a big part of why it took time to build my first full collection.
In the early stages, I did have an opportunity to bring on an investor, but I made the conscious decision not to. I realized that the kind of brand I wanted to build—one rooted in craftsmanship, intention, and longevity—required me to move at a different pace.
For me, slow growth isn’t a limitation; it’s a strategy.
By self-funding, I’ve been able to stay fully aligned with my creative vision. I can make thoughtful decisions about materials, production, and design without external pressure to scale quickly or commercialize before the brand is ready.
It’s also allowed me to focus on building a strong foundation—developing a product that truly resonates with a niche audience, rather than trying to appeal to everyone.
I believe that in luxury, especially, growth should be intentional. It’s not about producing more, faster—it’s about creating something meaningful that can last.
That approach has shaped not only how I’ve built the business, but also the kind of brand Chau Sáenz is becoming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chausaenz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chausaenz_official/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chausaenzofficial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chau-saenz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chausaenzofficial
