Joan's Legacy
A Gentle Goodbye, and a Hopeful Future
Hello, I’m Joan, and I’m very glad you found your way here. This page is a quiet corner of my shop, where I’d like to share a few thoughts as I prepare to retire and close Joan’s Bags.
Where It All Began
I made my first handbag many years ago on a creaky old table in the corner of our family home. I used full-grain leather and hand-stitched every seam with care and patience. Those early bags were made to last, and many of them are still out in the world today - carried, scuffed, softened, and loved.
Over the years, I’ve had the joy of hearing from so many customers who shared stories of where their bags had gone. Weddings, work, holidays, daily errands, little moments, all stitched into the fabric. It’s been the honor of a lifetime.
But as time passed, I started asking myself different questions. I saw how the world was changing, how much waste there is, how animals suffer, how our planet needs us to tread more lightly. I knew, deep down, that if I was to close this chapter with peace in my heart, I needed to do things a little differently.
Choosing a Kinder Material
I spent a great deal of time researching alternatives to traditional leather. Many so-called “vegan” options didn’t feel right - too plastic, too artificial, too hard on the environment in their own way. But eventually, I found something special: a plant-based, premium vegan leather, made from upcycled agricultural fibers.
It’s soft, durable, and beautiful, and more importantly, it’s responsibly made. No animals harmed. No harsh chemicals. And every inch is traceable to its source. It felt like the right step forward.
Even so, I haven’t abandoned my roots. A selection of Classic Leather designs, those timeless totes and satchels many of you know and love, remains available alongside the new vegan pieces. Whether you’re drawn to tradition or ready to try something different, I trust you’ll find a bag that speaks to you.
Why It Matters
Some may wonder why an old leather worker would change her ways so close to the end. But I believe it’s never too late to do better. This shift was about more than materials, it was about legacy. About leaving behind not just bags, but values.
And so, in these final months of the shop, you’ll find some of my last collections crafted in this beautiful vegan leather. It’s my way of saying: we can honor tradition and embrace change.
How I Work
- Small Batches. Everything is made in limited numbers to avoid waste.
- Built to Last. Each bag is made to stand the test of time, each bag is carefully constructed to serve you well for many years with the right care.
- Thoughtfully Made. Each design is cut with care to minimize excess and ensure a more responsible use of materials.
Closing the Workshop
As I prepare to step away from the sewing table, I do so with great gratitude. This isn’t a sad farewell, just a quiet one. I’ll miss the hum of the machine, the smell of leather and cotton, the joy of finishing a new piece.
But most of all, I’ll carry with me the kindness you’ve shown me over the years. Your support allowed me to keep doing what I love, and to end it all with a small, meaningful change toward a more thoughtful future.
Thank You
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve bought one bag or many, or simply stopped by to read these words, know that you’ve made a difference. And if you decide to carry one of my final pieces, perhaps one made with the new vegan leather, I hope it serves you well, and reminds you that every choice matters.
With warm regards,
Joan
Founder & Maker, Joan’s Bags
