The beginnings of Bahay Bags are as natural and mystical as the islands which inspired them. Founder Michelle Medeiros was always drawn to lush tropical paradises that blanket the soul in imagination. While living in Hawaii, she began exploring her creative calling. Having a background in marketing and media, with a distinctive eye for fashion and art, she was looking for an outlet that could combine her personal and professional interests with her idyllic environment.

She originally started out with handbags of her own. She'd discovered them on vacation in the Philippines-her native home. Simple, vibrant, fun bags to use in everyday life.

She'd get stopped at malls and tapped at work. She'd be out in restaurants or coffee shops and she'd get asked. She'd be strolling around on weekends-still the question came. It was the same on every occasion, "Where did you get your bag?" And that statement would follow with "It's so cute." "Such detail. " "It's straw like I've never seen it." She began to see that women, from all domains, simply loved the natural construction, the imaginative detail, and the fun and frivolity of her handbags. These bags managed to capture the raw elements of earth, but still maintain a modern and stylish influence.

She knew she had to share what she had. Having such a love for her native home and embracing the creative opportunity before her, she realized she'd found the perfect avenue to combine her interests. She could showcase her native island's beauty and capability with handbags that WERE a symbol of what the Philippines is--natural splendor of a Pacific Island chain, rich in texture and color.

Her course was set. What started out as souvenir pieces became a brilliantly designed handbag line to envelope women in provocative color, stunning style, and mother nature's ingenuity.

"I made these bags to feel mystical as they are feminine". They have been called "when city meets straw." They were not made with seamless construction, because I believe that organic flavor IS the beauty of the bag-hand-weaving is a timeless art. We took this and added vibrant color and contemporary style. We set out to create "native chic."

Our handbags are called "Bahay Bags." It means "home" in the Philippines. A Bahay Bag is natural. It is feminine. Chic. It speaks of native land, of rural earth, of God-given beauty.

We hope you enjoy your Bahay Bag.
Welcome Home.