Today we’d like to introduce you to Chau Saenz
Hi Chau, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Vietnam and came to the U.S. with my family when I was two, after spending a year in a refugee camp. Growing up, I was surrounded by my mom’s sewing as she worked tirelessly as a tailor. Though I was always creative, I initially didn’t see fashion design as a realistic path for an immigrant, so I pursued journalism and communications instead.
It wasn’t until I started traveling frequently that my love for bag design emerged. Frustrated with chaotic packing, I began sketching bag ideas. For over a decade, the dream of Chau Sáenz simmered, sparked by my need for a compact, organized makeup bag that didn’t exist at the time. I often saw bags I’d envisioned appear on the market months or years later.
After moving to San Francisco and raising our son, I found the right moment to pursue my passion once he started preschool. In 2018, I discovered a leatherworks school taught by a Hermès artisan. From my first class, I was hooked. Bringing my sketches to life through cutting and sewing was incredibly fulfilling. Under expert guidance, I developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and quality materials.
As a mom, I’m always balancing fashion with function—like realizing baby bottles don’t quite fit in a Gucci camera bag! I wanted to create something stylish yet practical for busy women who need to transition seamlessly from day to night. Too often, as moms, we lose ourselves in our roles and stop putting ourselves first. I want to change that.
Balancing my brand with family life is tough but rewarding. Chau Sáenz is about more than luxury—it’s about resilience, creativity, and carrying your story as you elevate your journey.. The signature pink lining of each bag reflects the love and optimism that fuel this dream. My hope is to inspire others to chase their passions and embrace their dreams, too.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I didn’t know where to start, and each time I tried, I hit a wall and felt out of my depth. A lot of it came from feeling like an outsider—I had never worked in luxury or handbags. But I am my own demographic. I just needed to find a way to learn outside the traditional path.
That kind of tenacity is essential for any entrepreneur—the drive to figure out what you don’t know to make your dream a reality. I went to school to learn the craft. I didn’t expect it to lead to luxury handbags, but a simple decision to understand the business lingo led me here. Letting go of insecurities and staying open to learning paved the way.
What I’ve learned is that timing and determination are everything. Even if it takes a decade, when the time is right, the pieces will fall into place… well, mostly. The long journey has prepared me for whatever bumps come my way because I’m finally doing what I’ve always dreamed of. Life experience and perspective are guiding me through.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m excited to share more about my work as the founder and designer of Chau Sáenz, a luxury handbag brand known for its craftsmanship and functional elegance. I design bags that blend fashion with practicality, perfect for busy, modern women.
What makes Chau Sáenz special is our focus on high-quality materials and attention to detail. Each bag is handcrafted with care, ensuring it’s not just stylish, but durable and functional. Our signature pink interior is a standout feature, representing the love and positivity behind everything we do.
I’m especially proud of the community we’ve built. Our customers appreciate the thought that goes into each design, and their feedback pushes me to keep improving. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing my designs come to life and knowing they make a difference.
What truly sets us apart is my personal journey and the passion driving the brand. As an immigrant and a mother, I bring a unique perspective to luxury handbags. Balancing family and following a dream resonates with so many of our customers, and that connection is at the core of Chau Sáenz.
At its heart, Chau Sáenz is more than a luxury brand—it’s about determination, creativity, and the immigrant spirit, inspiring others to chase their passions and dreams.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 crisis has been a real eye-opener for me, both personally and professionally. One of the biggest takeaways has been learning how to adapt and stay resilient. Life and business were turned upside down, and we had to constantly adjust to new realities. It really drove home the point that being flexible and open to change is key.
On a personal level, I realized how important it is to carve out meaningful time with family—really listening to their needs, even when it means putting mine on hold. At the same time, it made me understand how crucial it is to take care of myself and check in on those who might just need someone to talk to.
The pandemic also made me think more about sustainability and mindful choices. With so many of us rethinking our priorities, there’s been a shift toward valuing quality over quantity. That ties right into what we do at Chau Sáenz—creating timeless, high-quality pieces that are meant to be cherished for years.
And perhaps one of the biggest reminders has been around self-care and balance. As a business owner and mom, it’s easy for work and personal life to blur together. The crisis made it clear that looking after myself is essential to staying energized and focused when navigating tough times.
In the end, the pandemic reinforced some core values for me: adaptability, family, sustainability, and self-care—things that will definitely keep shaping how I live and run my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chausaenz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chausaenz_official/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chausaenzofficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chausaenzofficial