My story began thousands of miles south of the United States, more exactly in Peru, where I was born. Here, I worked in accounting and sales for many years for different companies. I then reunited with a long time friend who had moved from the United States to Peru, fell in love, married, and now with kids. About a year or so before we moved to the United States, I decided to take different classes as a way to be prepared and find better opportunities to find a job and help my family. So I studied gift wrapping, professional makeup, pedicure, and manicure.

My husband and I decided that it was time for us to start a new chapter in our lives and move to sunny California in 2003. This was a big change for me and my kids since we had to adapt to a new culture and learn a new language. For my husband, Walter, it was much easier since he had previously lived in Chicago for about 10 years.

During the first couple of years in California, while I was studying English, I took some additional classes in floral design, basket and cake decorating, and in 2008 I decided to take sewing classes. This was the seed to my passion for sewing.

After a few classes with Martha Escobedo, my sewing class instructor, I discovered that I had the skills and the talent to make beautiful handbags. This comment had come directly from someone with experience in fashion shows as a clothing designer

Finally, I realized that it was time to open my own business. With my drive, my families assistance, and Martha's continued support, Urpi Handbags was born. I now sell in different craft shows in Southern California along with my own online Etsy store.

A little over a year ago I was blessed with a second chance in life. I was one of the lucky 37,718 people who received a transplanted organ in the United States in 2019. I had a kidney transplant and now more than ever I try to enjoy life and I am really grateful for such a gift. Now with everything that is going on with this pandemic, I am making face masks with with the understanding that we need to protect everyone wherever you are in the world. Etsy has given me chance to connect with customers from around the world - a good number of face masks have gone to Australia, Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, and Canada. It’s incredible imagining someone wearing a face mask that I made so far away. Thank you for your support!