Inspiring Conversations with Mayra and Carolina from Isabel + Grace

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayra and Carolina.

Hi Mayra and Carolina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Isabel + Grace was created after a family trip in the summer of 2019 to Jalisco, Mexico. During the trip, we were introduced by our cousin to our handwoven bags. We bought a few for ourselves, used them during the trip and before returning we ended up purchasing more since we loved them so much. We thought that If we loved them, other people would love them too.

We grew up going to Mexico at least once a year and this trip was special to us, so many great memories and experiences came out of it. Mexico holds such a special place in our hearts that sharing a little piece of us just felt good. We were both new moms and already had so much in common but we always knew we wanted to create something together. We brought a few totes back and people really like them, so we started our Instagram. We named it after our greatest inspirations, our daughters Alejandra Isabel and Angeline Grace. It was scary to say the least, what if no one liked our bags or followed us, or supported us?. Fortunately for us our bags were loved and our family and friends were super supportive. Our parents and significant others have played a big part in helping us succeed, without them we couldn’t possibly be where we are.

Initially, we brought in a few designs but eventually we began designing all of our totes and bringing in colors and designs that define us. We are so blessed to be able to work with an amazing artisan that works so diligently to bring our design to life. Little by little, we have grown our social media and have created great relationships.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road for us but it has definitely been a great learning experience. Having a business is a lot of hard work, sweat and tears but it is truly so rewarding when you love what you do. My sister and I both share a business but have our own life outside of it. I (Mayra) have a full-time job and two years old aside from regular family duties. Carolina is a stay at home mom with an almost two years old. She also babysits my daughter Alejandra most of the time while I’m at work, and watching two girls is no easy task. Unfortunately for us Isabel + Grace has to get squeezed to times we have available. We’re constantly feeling the guilt of not giving any of our daily duties enough time, especially our family and home life.

We’ve been trying to do the best we can during this pandemic as well. We took a break during the beginning of the year since everything was very chaotic but have continued to push through. It’s also difficult for us because due to the pandemic, we’re not able to attend as many pop-ups or flea markets, but hope to in the future. We have also been working on expanding our online sales and creating a website, which requires a lot of time and patience. We’re so thankful for our parents for instilling hard work and perseverance in us. Our dad started his own business when he lost his job after recovering from a brain aneurysm and our mom took on the role of business partner and homemaker. Our parents have overcome so much together that it makes us want to work hard and make them proud.

As you know, we’re big fans of Isabel + Grace. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are two sisters who started our business endeavor after becoming mothers. Our most popular woven handbags, Ale and Gigi, are the reason we started our business. Each bag is handmade in Mexico by a wonderful artisan and designed and customized by us. We carry a variety of styles and our woven totes come in different sizes, colors and patterns. We have tried to maintain a sense of uniqueness with the bags that we carry and design as well as staying fair when it comes to pricing since most of our products are handmade. We’re so proud of where we are and how far we have come because our hard work is definitely paying off.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Just do it! It may sound cliche but honestly where there’s a will there is a way. The excitement we felt to start our business motivated us to keep pushing and work harder. In the end, you won’t know until you try. It takes so much energy, work and patience, but when you make a sale or even hear all the positive feedback from customers, it just makes it all worth it.

Pricing:

• Ale totes start at $37
• Wallets start at $15
• Backpacks start at $38
• Crossbody bags start at $20

Contact Info:

• Email: Shopisabelgrace@gmail.com
• Website: Shopisabelgrace.com
• Instagram: @Shopisabelgrace
• Facebook: @shopisabelgrace

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