Today we’d like to introduce you to Graziela Ferrarese Montes.
Hi Graziela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in southern Brazil, where creativity and resourcefulness were present and encouraged. My passion for sewing and handmade things started when I was around 7. I was always curious about how a particular piece of clothing was made, or even a pottery piece was shaped. So, I learned to create and experiment with all kinds of materials, and slowly I began to develop my style.
From an early age, I had an entrepreneurial spirit. I remember learning how to sew hair scrunchies from mom’s leftover fabrics and selling them to my classmates at school during lunch or how to cross-stitch and crochet tea towels and sell them to my school teachers or other parents. No one was off-limits when it came to selling my products; after all, I had a little “business” to run!
Destiny brought me to the USA in 2001, and I made my way to beautiful Austin, TX, in 2009. I didn’t know where or how. I always knew that one day I would be my boss. One day, in 2013 (my now husband) invited me to my first Austin Rodeo, and I realized I didn’t have a bag that would match my outfit to attend the concert at the Rodeo. I wanted a small crossbody bag with a rustic vibe but big enough to fit all my essentials. After searching online and at many local shops, I realized the bag I was looking for didn’t exist. Sure, there were many beautiful bags out there, but nothing caught my eye (or my budget), so I figured I knew how to sew, and I was going to create and make myself the bag I needed. To this day, I remember the thrill I felt after I sewed that first little bag! The sense of accomplishment and pride in wearing something I had created and made myself was functional and exactly what I needed at the time. It was incomparable.
For about a year, I brainstormed about starting a bag-making business, spent countless hours researching materials, and sewing techniques, joining sewing groups, and taking online sewing workshops. During my research, I learned how much the fashion industry could affect and contribute to environmental issues such as landfill waste. I also always had in my heart that I would have the time or the financial ability to give back and pay it forward to this amazing country that accepted me with so much grace and opportunity. In September 2014, Creations By Grazi was born.
For this reason, Creations By Grazi was formed standing on 3 main pillars: Firstly, I am mindful and always learning new ways to reduce my material waste by upcycling fabrics whenever possible, creating new smaller but functional pieces such as key chains or mini wallets with scrap fabrics that otherwise would be thrown in the landfill and implementing sewing and cutting techniques to reduce waste. Secondly, it’s important to me that most of my suppliers be US based. Of course, nowadays, more is needed to achieve. Still, I am pleased to continue to source and find amazing local businesses to purchase materials and equipment from or collaborate with.
Lastly, my love for animals brought me closer to local animal shelters, where I occasionally volunteer. I donate part of my annual proceeds to local animal shelters or non-profit organizations in the community every year. So, with each purchase, customers directly impact local animals’ lives. To this day, our bags are made at our home sewing studio in central Texas. It’s not easy to juggle a full-time corporate job, my business, and my life, but since I work from home, I get to work on production early morning (around 5:30 am-6 am). My “lunch hour” comprises packing orders, replying to customers’ emails, social media management, product photography, and purchasing supplies. These are long days, but every minute I spend doing what I love is worthwhile! After I log off from work, I squeeze in a couple more hours of sewing.
I vend through my website but mainly at selected local markets, and I love the interaction and feedback I get from my customers. I listen to their needs and suggestions on colors and materials – whatever the case- and incorporate them as much as possible. While I don’t offer custom orders anymore, I pride myself on only making a small batch of bags of the same style and color each season. Each person is unique and has a sense of style that should be celebrated by wearing unique accessories. Because of this approach, I also created the OneOfaKind Collection a few years ago. These are one-of-a-kind bags that I make when inspired by a particular fabric print or bag design, and I only make that one bag with that color combination – ever! That particular bag will never be replicated again at the studio, and customers love knowing and thrusting that.
Being a small handmade business owner comes with many struggles, doubts (yes, imposter syndrome is real!), difficulties, and obstacles, but I wouldn’t change this path I took for one second! Through this journey, I have met many incredible fellow creators, makers, sewers, amazing customers, and friends. Now, almost 10 years later, I look at that cute little crossbody rodeo bag and giggle, amazed at how much I’ve learned since then and how many incredible memories I have because of this little business. I almost can’t contain my curiosity about what else is waiting for me on this path to learn and create.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Since the beginning, Creations by Grazi has been a “one-woman show,” and I was proud of that for a long time. But really, who was I kidding? I was constantly burned out, always running against time, running out of space – mentally and physically as the business grew. The only thing I was proving was that I needed help! I wanted to prove to everyone that I could do it by myself. My wine totes are a great example. Years ago, I created the artwork to be screen printed on the canvas wine bottle totes I make. I figured I could learn how to screen print them myself and keep the entire production in-house. Well, that was a huge mistake! I spent a lot of time learning how to screen print and a lot of money on materials to realize it was time to outsource and hire a local professional screen printing business. Asking and accepting help also translated into finally letting my husband assist me whenever he is available. I know helping me with some of the leather work or setting up and vending at local markets is not his first choice to spend his free time, but we make a darn good team, and the fact that he is willing to help and now – after many years – I am willing to accept his help is life-changing!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Creations By Grazi, we specialize in unique bags for the everyday person, the on-the-go bags, with many color options. You know, that crossbody or shoulder bag you need to throw all your essentials in and get out the door. My bags usually offer different storage compartments with zipper pockets or slip pockets. We also offer customers the ability to detach most straps of our bags. Besides functionality, I pride myself in offering versatility with a combination of materials that can be leather, vinyl, canvas, denim, or cork. The different colors and fabric prints we curate are also one of the reasons customers love our bags.
What do you think about happiness?
Today, at age 45, what makes me happy is the life my husband and I built together and our plans for the future. I am incredibly happy and grateful for the family and amazingly supportive group of friends we have around us. The ability to dream, work hard, and design the life we want is a blessing, and I am very aware of it every day. Happiness comes in many different shapes and sizes, so if you can’t tell, a piece of fabric and a sewing machine will do for me most of the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creationsbygrazi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creationsbygrazi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creationsbygrazi
Image Credits
Creations By Grazi
