We were lucky to catch up with Chau Saenz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chau, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.
Meeting my first customer in person, especially someone I didn’t know, felt surreal. Seeing them connect with my work was such a validating experience. It was like seeing a reflection of everything I’ve put into my designs, right in front of me. It was a true “moment of truth” as an artisan and designer. Trusting my gut and following my instincts with how I create really paid off in that moment. It wasn’t just about the sale—it was about seeing how my designs could become part of someone else’s journey. That made it all feel so real.
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.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. For those who may not be familiar, I’m Chau Sáenz, the founder and designer behind Chau Sáenz, a luxury handbag brand that focuses on creating timeless, handcrafted pieces. My journey into this world of artisanal design began with a deep love for craftsmanship and a passion for creating something meaningful that lasts. I trained at a leatherworks school in San Francisco and had the privilege of studying under a Hermes artisan, which gave me the foundation to understand the importance of precision, quality, and artistry.
Chau Sáenz handbags are crafted with the idea that a bag is more than just an accessory—it’s a reflection of one’s personal journey. Each piece is carefully designed to blend sophistication with functionality, using the finest materials sourced from Italy. What sets us apart is the emphasis on both the craftsmanship and the story behind each bag. I don’t believe in fast fashion; instead, I’m dedicated to creating pieces that stand the test of time—bags that carry stories, not just things.
One thing that’s really important to me is inclusivity in design. For example, I ensure that all of our handbag straps are extra long to be body-inclusive. Often, shoulder straps aren’t designed with all body types in mind, and I wanted to change that. It’s these thoughtful details that help solve practical needs while elevating the experience of using something beautiful every day.
What I’m most proud of is the balance we’ve struck between artistry and purpose. We create products that are not only elegant but also functional—bags that are meant to be worn and cherished, not stored away. My recent pop-up experiences, particularly selling directly to someone I didn’t know, validated everything I’ve worked for. It was a surreal moment of truth as a designer and artisan, seeing my work resonate with someone else’s life.
If there’s one thing I’d want potential clients and followers to know, it’s that Chau Sáenz is not just a brand—it’s about creating connections. Whether through the handcrafted nature of the bags, the artisans we collaborate with in Italy, or the individual stories each piece carries, it’s about more than just a product. It’s about making something special that elevates someone’s journey, just as creating them has elevated mine.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
When I first started, I didn’t have direct experience in producing handbags, but I had a deep desire to understand every step of the process. My formal training under the guidance of a Hermes artisan gave me a strong foundation in craftsmanship, which was invaluable.
From the beginning, I knew I wanted to keep the production process as artisanal and hands-on as possible, to maintain the integrity of each piece. I sought out vendors who shared that same commitment to craftsmanship. My journey eventually led me to Italy, where I connected with small, highly skilled artisans who truly understood my vision for creating luxury handbags with heart and soul. Finding the right partners took time and persistence, but the quality of craftsmanship was always non-negotiable for me.
I work closely with these artisans to ensure that every bag is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, from the stitching to the quality of the leather. I found my current partners through a trusted referral, and meeting them in person during my visit to Italy solidified my decision. It was important for me to see the people behind the craft and understand their process.
One of the key lessons I’ve learned in production is that communication is everything. When working with artisans, especially remotely, you need to be incredibly clear about your expectations and design details. Building strong relationships with your production partners is also crucial. Trust and mutual respect ensure that the final product reflects your vision. As a trained artisan myself, I can clearly communicate my ideas and fully understand the process, which has made collaborating with other artisans smoother and more effective. The mutual appreciation of artisan-to-artisan work has really helped in bringing my designs to life with both ease and quality.
Another lesson is patience. Working with small production runs means things can take longer, but the payoff is worth it. You end up with a product that’s unique, high-quality, and aligned with your brand’s values. For me, it’s never about chasing trends—it’s about getting the product right and ensuring it will last, becoming part of someone’s journey.
Lastly, I’ve learned the importance of flexibility. Sometimes, materials or processes you planned for aren’t available or don’t work as expected, and you have to adapt. But that’s part of the creative process—it helps you evolve and improve with each collection.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Two books that have really influenced how I approach my business are “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz.
“Atomic Habits” helped me realize the power of small, consistent actions. It reminded me that real progress comes from focusing on daily improvements, both in my creative process and running the business. “Profit First” completely changed how I think about finances. It taught me to prioritize profit from the start, which has helped me build a financially healthy business without constantly worrying about cash flow.
I’ve also been deeply inspired by the stories of luxury brands like Hermès and Chanel. Their dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and thoughtful, slow growth really resonates with me. I’m committed to focusing on quality over quantity and creating something meaningful that lasts—rather than chasing trends.
These resources have not only shaped how I manage and grow Chau Sáenz, but also how I stay true to the values that make my brand unique.
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