Meet the Maker
Hi there, I'm Nina, the founder and artist behind Sun Freckled Studio. I’m 25 years old, and what began as a hobby in 2020—hand-painting tote bags for friends—has turned into my full-time creative career.
It all started in my freshman year of college when I bought a 12-pack of blank tote bags so my roommates and I could have a fun craft night around finals week. Instead of studying, I ended up painting all 12 bags myself! That holiday season, I gifted the bags to friends and family, and the response was amazing. Everyone encouraged me to post the bags online, and the idea of a stranger carrying something I made felt so exciting. So, I started sharing on social media, set up a website, and orders began rolling in.
I quickly moved from hand-painting each bag to screen printing to keep up with demand. Along the way, I realized I could build a real brand by combining style and functionality in a way that was missing in other tote bags. I found a manufacturer to help bring my vision to life—a fully functional tote bag that still kept the classic, cute tote aesthetic. Now, Sun Freckled Studio totes include features like a full zipper closure, two slip pockets, a large zip pocket, and a key leash, blending convenience and style.
Today, I still create all the artwork myself, hand-drawing each design on my iPad and turning it into a pattern. My manufacturer then prints and sews the bags, but I personally pack and ship every order. I feel incredibly grateful to do this full-time, bringing my love for organization and aesthetics into bags I use every day.
