We were lucky to catch up with Erin Tufts Cartier recently and have shared our conversation below.

Erin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

As a child I was always creating, making and drawing. I always knew I would take the creative path one day. Both of my grandmothers taught me how to sew. My fraternal grandmother would hem my Barbie’s dress super short and my maternal grandmother would take out the hem to make it longer. They were very different but both inspired me in ways I could never describe in words. I knew then I would create wether it be art, handbags or website for fellow small businesses, I enjoy every minute of it.

Erin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Rorin specializes in bespoke luxury handbags and art that are responsibly sourced and ethically produced statement pieces.

Each collection is sparked from my passion for repurposing materials to create unexpected textural and color contrasts. Rorin is driven to design unique accessories that elevate your everyday style while giving you the peace of mind that our collections reflect the highest quality and craftsmanship while staying committed to responsible production and sourcing practices. All Rorin pieces are designed, developed and handcrafted in my studio by founder and designer, Erin Tufts Cartier. The collections are bespoke, handcrafted and painstakingly unique. Produced in small batches, each statement piece uses the finest, most responsibly sourced materials.

Rorin handbags celebrate color, contrast, and an innate sense of joy. Each bag reflects my love of playfully mixing and repurposing materials and textures in unexpected ways that I hope reinforces her clients’ strong sense of individuality and personal style.

Erin designs, develops, and handcrafts Rorin collections in my studio resulting in handbags that reflect the highest quality and sustainability standards. Erin’s thoughtful design process involves reusing leather from previous collections, reducing waste by only ordering what is needed to produce each item and recycling scraps and parts to create art. Custom commissions can require meticulous saddle stitching, an age old technique used by luxury heritage brands like Hermès, and no details or finishing work is overlooked to ensure each handbag is completely unique and lovingly handmade.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Every time I make a sale, I literally jump with joy. There is nothing more rewarding then when someone buys my pieces and I do not know them personally. Something about wanting what I created with my bare hands, my mind and leather. It is the most incredible feeling.

I also truly love connecting with other artists, creatives, etc. We are all in this together. There is a piece of the pie for all of us. I share a lot of my fellow creatives on my social media. I want to support everyone!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I started making bags with the idea of being this luxury brand. Well the luxury industry is not my cup of tea (at all). I want to create with no limitations and the freedom to spit whatever comes to mind on that blank canvas. That being said on my journey I have also found the fashion industry to be incredibly toxic to our planet with so much waste. So each bag I make, I save every single scrap of leather to create art. It works to fill my love of high quality leather goods and enables my creative freedom. I use leather from Leather Working Group certified tanneries. Leather Working Group (LWG) is a not-for-profit membership organization, working to creating meaningful change across the global leather supply chain.

My other mission is to be supportive of female owned business in every aspect of my life. There is nothing more important than lifting up other women and creatives!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rorin.us
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatisrorin

Image Credits
Brianna Hill Photography LCS Studio // Laura Saur