It was my 27th birthday. As I gift I got some money to buy myself something nice. It was enough to buy me my dream bag - Beautiful white Furla. It’s elegance and timeless design fascinated me for many years. For days I looked at a website and tried to choose the perfect one. As I was ready to go and buy myself the most expensive bag of my life, came Corona. All shops closed down. I don’t like internet shopping, so I decided to wait.
And then a couple of weeks later I saw a post from Estonian designer Stella Soomlais, who said that due to the virus they lost all tourist-clients. To keep business going they took down the prices on their handmade bags and gave locals the opportunity to support them.
And then I thought. Why should I support global corporations in these times instead of small local businesses who will probably give the bag of my dreams 100 times more love and attention?
The decision was made. I chose my favorite design on the website, talked to the master, chose the color and details for my future bag. It just felt so right.
But true happiness came when I opened a box with my new friend. I have never experienced such happiness after receiving something in a box. It was a masterpiece. Timeless design and true elegance. But the quality was something I never experienced before. The leather was so soft. The bag itself was excellently made. Even the smallest corners were perfect.
This experience changed completely my point of view. Now I see the value of investing in quality. It feels different to hold something that was made just for me. And I also know that every cent I spend goes to creative people in my community.
It is very difficult to change our consumption habits. It requires some sacrifices, planning, and analyzing what you really need and value. It doesn’t come easy. I am just at the beginning of this process. And I hope you will join me too.
Happy shopping!
P.S. As I wrote this post I took a look at my two Guess bags, which after a year of wearing were already broken and by this time looked quite cheap. But these two bags cost me exactly 2/3 of my new handmade bag that will probably last until the end of my life. Interesting!
Must say Pluto was also quite pleased with the box we received.