Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Hee

Hi Wendy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

My journey began in the IT sector, where I was fortunate to have had a successful career after my graduation from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. However, a series of unforeseen events, including the closure of the company I worked for, prompted me to reevaluate my path. I realized that while I had spent years creating in the virtual world, I longed to create something tangible with my own hands. Inspired by the eco-movement and driven by my fascination for vintage textiles and leather-working, I decided to pursue my passion for bag making.

Today, my business, Made in Manoa, specializes in creating unique bags from vintage, reclaimed, and scrap materials.

My journey has been filled with challenges, but my passion for creating unique, meaningful pieces and my commitment to sustainability have driven me forward. I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped my path and excited for the future of my business.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Building my business has been incredibly rewarding, but far from smooth, especially as a self-funded venture. One of the biggest challenges early on had been the process of acquiring tools and materials. Shipping costs to Hawaii are high, making the investment even more substantial. This meant that my business growth was quite slow as I could only invest in high-cost items as I gained financial traction.

Another challenge was sourcing old apparel and accessories for materials. These items often provide a fraction of the material compared to buying new, and they vary greatly in quality and type. This variability made it difficult to learn how to work with different materials without extensive and costly experimentation.

Marketing has also been a significant hurdle. With a degree in business, I understood the importance of marketing, but reaching my target audience organically required more effort than anticipated. In the third year of my business, I made a significant investment in an online marketing push. While it increased my online presence, it resulted in little conversions and put my business into the red. Despite this setback, I view it as a valuable learning experience that helped me refine my approach.

Despite these struggles, being self-funded has its benefits. I answer only to myself. This independence allows me to take full responsibility for both the setbacks and the successes. This autonomy is something I deeply appreciate and take great pride in.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I am a bag maker from Manoa Valley on Oahu, Hawaii. I specialize in creating unique, handcrafted bags from vintage, reclaimed, and scrap materials. My work involves transforming forgotten and pre-loved fabrics into beautiful, functional pieces that carry a sense of history and sustainability.

I am known for my dedication to sustainability and my ability to breathe new life into old materials. Each bag I create tells a story, incorporating elements from various historical and pre-loved fabrics. My customers appreciate the uniqueness and eco-friendliness of my designs, as well as the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each piece.

I am most proud of the connections I’ve made with my customers through my work. Recently, I started offering a service where customers can bring their own pre-loved items to me, and together we create something new and meaningful. For example, I have transformed a grandmother’s kimono into a bag for someone. These kinds of projects are special because it allows my clients to carry a piece of their family’s history with them in a practical and cherished form. It is stories like this that I truly enjoy being a part of.

What sets me apart is my deep love and admiration for historic materials. While many bag makers focus on new materials, I find joy in the hunt for beautiful, historic pieces and the challenge of transforming them into something new. My process is about more than just bag making; it’s about honoring the past and bringing new life into the world. This commitment to sustainability, history, and transformation is what, I think, makes my work unique.

What are your plans for the future?

In the future, I hope to expand the services I offer by adding bag restoration. I believe that luxury pieces, in particular, are investment items that are certainly worth saving. Restoring these bags not only preserves their value but also contributes to sustainability by giving them a new lease on life. I am excited about the possibility of being part of this process and helping customers maintain their cherished pieces.

Additionally, I plan to continue refining my craft and exploring new ways to incorporate reclaimed, vintage, and scrap materials into my designs. I’m always on the lookout for unique and beautiful historic pieces that can be transformed into something new and meaningful.

I’m also looking forward to expanding my reach through improved marketing strategies. My goal is to connect with more people who appreciate the art of upcycling and the stories behind each piece. By growing my online presence and engaging with a broader audience, I hope to build a community of like-minded individuals who share my passion for sustainability and craftsmanship.

Overall, my future plans involve both enhancing the services I offer and continuing to innovate within my craft. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to the journey of growing and evolving my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://madeinmanoa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/made.in.manoa