SasakiBags
Top shop for gifts.
Buyers bought gifts from this shop and gave them 5-star reviews!
SasakiBags is taking a short break
Reviews
-
![]()
-
![]()
Nicalaine on Jun 14, 2020
3 out of 5 starsI was disappointed that the ‘woody’ bag was out of stock and I got a substitute pattern. The quality is amazing and I still like it, just not as well as I’d have liked the ‘woody’ bag.
-
![]()
Mio on May 19, 2020
5 out of 5 starsI purchased Mahina purse with gift wrapping for my niece's birthday present. She loves it!! And mahalo for such a pretty wrapping.
-
![]()
Gillian on Jan 30, 2020
5 out of 5 starsThe Sak bag: never heard of it, Patricia Nash: who is SHE!?... The Sasaki bag: Pure Magical Amazements!! I got the purse version of the Octopus print bag for Christmas, so naturally, I HAD to get the matching clutch. Can't wait for payday to get a set in the Monstera print. Expertly crafted with love a care, the fabric is strong and the stiches are even. You guys: GET. THIS. BAG!
-
![]()
Amy on Dec 1, 2019
5 out of 5 starsAmazing craftsmanship and outstanding customer service. Thank you, so much. Happy Holidays!!!
-
![]()
Kristin on Nov 21, 2019
5 out of 5 starsThis woman does great work. Fast shipping. Items moves fast and I believe it's a solo business so if you like it, grab it quickly.
-
![]()
-
![]()
Susan O K Tamanaha on Oct 2, 2019
5 out of 5 starsJust beautiful! Perfect! Love the black and white design of the bag! Totally satisfied! Thank you Barb Sasaki for another happy purchase! Wishing you much happiness and joy during the holiday season ahead!
-
![]()
-
![]()
About SasakiBags
Etsy automatically translates most text on the site to your preferred language.
See in original language
-
![]()
Big bags...little bags! I make them all right here in Hawaii! -
![]()
I started out my career making burlap totes and purses. I still make them among many other textiles. -
![]()
silk kimono yoga mat bag -
![]()
I have collaborated with Maui tattoo artist Keahi Raikes for the design on this fabric. -
![]()
I love beachy fabric!
Lemons to Lemonade
How did you start your shop? How does it all work?
I was injured at my place of employment and following two surgeries, I began wondering "what on earth will I do if I can't go back to my job?"
During my rehabilitation, I suffered depression and my weight yo-yo'd. I began thinking about what types of things I spent money on regardless of my size or mood. For me, it was jewelry or handbags. They always "fit"!
I have always figured myself to be quite "average". My feet were average, I often wore an "average" size in clothing. I even finished middle of the pack when I ran the Honolulu Marathon (many years ago). So I thought there must be other "average" women out there who have similar spending habits.
At first I took a jewelry making class with my husband. He excelled at it...me, well, not so much! But I did know how to sew (Thank you momma!)
I worked hard at my physical rehabilitation and was able to return to my original job, but by then, life had changed so much that I knew I had a new goal. It was starting my own business and making it my sole source of income within 4 years.
It was at a bad time in the economy, so living in Hawaii, I also wanted to sew something "different" that would make my creations stand out. I live in the middle of Kona Coffee Country so using coffee bags seemed like a no brainer. My very first sale was for 100 tote bags to a retail store.
My background working in a 5 star hotel gave me knowledge of the corporate incentive world. I now sell to several companies who bring their clients to Hawaii for incentive trips. I love it when they call me year after year. That is the greatest compliment!
In January of 2011 after 3 years and 3 months of bag making, I was able to close the door on my former career and open a new door to being self employed. Doing something I love makes the long days pass quickly. An added bonus is that I can even sew in my jammies without any makeup on!
One of my biggest lessons has been to dream BIG .....and then dream BIGGER! Not every idea I have is a good one, but I'm not afraid of giving it a whirl. Stay tuned. The journey isn't over yet!
Shop members
-
Barb Sasaki
Owner, Designer
Barb Sasaki is a hardworking determined woman who dares to dream big. She has been making bags since 2007 and has big goals for the future.
Shop policies
Thank you so much for stopping by my shop. I am aware that Etsy has many shops to choose from so my goal is to always offer great customer service and let you know that you are buying from a real person working in a "one woman sweat shop" in Hawaii.
Feel free to "convo" me about any of my items. If you are purchasing a gift, please let me know and I will enclose a complimentary gift card and wrap it for you.
Accepted payment methods