WRITTEN BY: CHARU SUBRAMANIAN
From BFCM to Bold Initiatives: Flywheel’s Female Founders Series
I don’t need to tell you about protecting your inbox with Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) sales right around the corner. You’ll find plenty of articles coming your way about the best deals during the sale from other sources. Instead, I want to use this space to introduce you to a few incredible female-founded businesses. Why female founders? The unfortunate reality is that venture funding for female founders is very low. The first founder I want to introduce you to is Chau Sáenz and her eponymous line of luxury handbags.
According to a report from Pitchbook in 2022, companies founded solely by women garnered just 2% of the total capital invested in VC-backed startups in the US. So we want to use our platform to support female founders the best we can.
I met Chau in a Slack group after introducing myself and asking if anyone was local to the Bay Area. When we met up a few weeks later it was as though we had been friends for ages. As Chau told me about her brand, I was genuinely taken by her commitment to the design process, products and the craftsmanship.
RAPID FIRE Q&A: CHAU SÁENZ
Q: Can you share a little bit about your background?
A: My journey in the world of fashion and design started with a dream that lasted for a decade. I’ve also become a certified leather artisan, learning from an Hermes trained leather artisan. Outside of work, I’m a wife, a mom to a wonderful son, and a dog owner. I enjoy baking, organizing dinners with friends to strengthen our connections, and spending quality time with my family.
My vision for Chau Saenz Luxury Handbags is to craft something truly exceptional, bringing together the artistry of Italian craftsmanship, the finest materials, and an unwavering commitment to creating designs with intention. This approach ensures that every handbag we bring to life isn’t merely a fashion statement but a canvas for you to manifest your inner power. We believe that what you carry inside is an integral part of your unique story. Our handbags go beyond being accessories; they are your companions, empowering you with a sense of luxury, organization, and unwavering confidence.
Q: What made you want to launch Chau Saenz?
A: It’s been a long-time dream of mine. I’ve always been drawn to handbags and organization, and creativity runs in my veins. When something keeps tugging at your heart, you listen and find a way. Timing will eventually lead you there. Just don’t ignore that inner calling.
Q: What do you feel makes Chau Saenz unique?
A: Our brand is special because its designs embody practicality infused with thoughtful details, and our signature pink serves as a constant reminder to prioritize self-care. While we carry our accessories with a purpose in our daily lives, it’s time to elevate that purpose by embracing self-care alongside it. Why not carry with both purpose and self-care in mind?
Q: What is something you wish other entrepreneurs in your field knew or understood about the industry?
A: Marketing to a niche luxury market is quite different from promoting mass consumer brands
Q: What is something you wish your consumers knew or understood about the industry?
A: I wish our customers knew the expenses involved in crafting luxury handbags with meticulous attention in small-scale production. Our margins are relatively modest when compared to legacy brands that benefit from mass production and can increase their profits by 5-10 times.
If you’re in the market for a luxury bag that combines exceptional craftsmanship and functionality, I strongly recommend checking out her brand.
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