We were lucky to catch up with Ksenia Khelman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ksenia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was when I fell in love and decided to leave my regular life behind to move to Chile to meet the guy. At the time, I didn’t speak Spanish, and I had no idea how I was going to make a living. All I knew was that my life felt too normal—like it was missing something—and I craved a change.
Before moving, I had been making handbags as a hobby and a small side hustle, but I’d never dared to pursue it as a full-time project. After settling in Chile and realizing I liked the guy and the life we were building, I thought, “If I was brave enough to move halfway across the world, why not give my beloved ‘hobby’ a real shot?”
That’s when I took another leap of faith: relying on my crafting to support myself. To my amazement, it worked. It wasn’t much at first, but I was able to pay my share of the rent and cover my living expenses. More importantly, it shattered my belief that you could only survive with a traditional 9-to-5 job. For the first time in my life, I felt truly free, doing work I loved while building a life that felt meaningful.
That relationship eventually ended, but it set the stage for the life I’ve built since then. A decade has passed, and I’m now living in the United States, doing work that I love and feeling incredibly grateful for that first experience. Taking that risk taught me to trust myself, embrace uncertainty, and believe in the possibilities beyond my comfort zone.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi! I’m Ksenia, a San Francisco-based bag designer and maker. My journey began in the most unexpected way—when my favorite bag fell apart. It was out of stock everywhere, so I decided to remake it myself. That simple decision sparked a love for bag design, and before I knew it, crafting bags turned from a hobby into a passion that completely transformed my life.
What started as a hobby and creative outlet has grown into a passion-driven business where I help others feel empowered to create their own unique bags while also offering custom, handcrafted designs for those seeking something truly personal.
I specialize in designing and making beautiful, functional leather bags and accessories that stand out for their quality, style, and versatility. My clients can choose from my collection of thoughtfully designed pieces or collaborate with me to create custom bags tailored to their needs—everything from the leather type to the hardware is crafted with their vision in mind. Additionally, I teach others how to design and make their own bags through beginner-friendly patterns and my online bag-making courses.
What sets me apart is my belief that a well-made bag is more than just an accessory—it’s a companion to your life’s story. I take pride in the attention to detail, durability, and timeless design of my pieces, ensuring that each one not only looks beautiful but also feels like it was made just for you.
What I’m most proud of is the joy my work brings to people. Whether it’s a client cherishing a custom bag that reflects their personal style, or a student sharing their excitement after making their first design, those moments remind me why I do what I do.
For anyone who’s curious about my work, I’d want them to know that it’s all about creating with intention. Whether I’m crafting a one-of-a-kind bag or teaching someone the steps to bring their creative vision to life, my goal is to celebrate individuality and inspire confidence through the process.
If you’re looking for a bag that feels uniquely yours, or you’re ready to explore your own creativity, I’d love to help you take the next step in your journey.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building my social media presence has been one of my favorite parts of growing my business, but it didn’t come naturally at first. I wasn’t born a salesperson, and in the beginning, I made plenty of awkward and misaligned attempts before I really understood what social media is about: connection.
To build my audience, I focused on imagining the clients I create for and crafting content specifically for them. I thought about the questions they might have, the details of the bag-making process they’d find valuable, and the inspiration they’d want to see. That’s what you’ll find on my feed: helpful, inspiring, and thoughtful content tailored to my audience’s interests.
In my Stories, I took a different approach by sharing more of myself—my personal values, thoughts, and snippets of my everyday life. At first, it felt uncomfortable to share personal details because I worried it might alienate some of my audience. But I quickly learned that it did the opposite. It helped me step out from behind the curtain and become more than just a faceless brand. It allowed my audience to get to know me as a person, which created stronger, more genuine connections.
Now, I mostly hear from clients who already resonate with my values and appreciate my designs before we even start working together. This alignment saves time for both of us and makes the collaboration so much more meaningful.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest advice is to focus on connection over perfection. Think about your audience and what they truly care about, but also let them see the real you. It might feel vulnerable at first, but it’s worth it. People are drawn to authenticity, and building those connections will not only grow your audience but also help you find clients who truly appreciate what you do.
Business-wise, my biggest insight has been to focus on the quality of the relationship with my audience, rather than just the numbers. If my audience is growing but the number of orders I’m receiving stays the same, it’s a sign that something isn’t working. On the other hand, if the number of followers doesn’t change much while the number or complexity of orders grows, that’s a win. It means our connection is deepening, my clients trust me more, and I’m heading in the right direction.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation within my market has been built on a foundation of trust, quality, and genuine care for my clients. From the very beginning, I made a conscious decision not to cut corners on the quality of my work. Every bag I create reflects my dedication to craftsmanship, with thoughtful attention to detail and materials that are built to last.
Transparency has also been key. Whether it’s being upfront about the materials I use, setting clear expectations for timelines, or explaining the nuances of my process, I always strive to ensure my clients feel informed and valued every step of the way.
Another aspect that I think sets me apart is my commitment to being there for my clients. If they have a question, concern, or need help with something, I’m always ready to respond and assist. It’s incredibly important to me that my clients not only love the bags I make for them but also feel confident and supported throughout the entire experience.
Ultimately, I believe it’s these values—quality, transparency, and genuine client care—that have helped me build trust and a positive reputation in my market.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.khelman.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/khelmanbags
- Youtube: khelmanbags
