About
Style is the way to say who you are without having to speak
Shop NowMeet Artist Designer Josy Zara
Josy started painting back in 2004, as both therapy and as a temporary solution to fill the walls of her new home. The move came just a few months since Josu had started her two-year chemo treatment and four months since her brain cancer diagnosis and surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Painting helped take her mind off the nausea and life changes. With several large canvasses painted, Josy started thinking the colorful drop cloths that laid on the floor were more fun and colorful than the paintings. It was then a friend came by to show Josy a burlap beach bag she had made. Josy suggested they add paint so her friend sewed up a new one and Josy wore it to meet friends for lunch.
How it began
A woman ran after Josy in the parking lot asking about the bag. Josy told her the drop cloth story and the woman (who owned a boutique nearby) offered her $80 so she could sell it in her shop. The next day she called Josy to say the bag had sold and asked if she could have three more. It was then Josy knew this was the beginning of a new venture.
About the bags
Josy creates her line of hand-painted and crafted clutches, shoulder and cross body bags, totes and weekenders that are one-of-a kind unique pieces of art. The go-to accessory if you want to stand out from the crowd of mass-production handbags.
The designs are unique and all bags are hand-signed by Josy. They are painted on high-quality artist canvas then sewn into various sizes and styles. All are sealed to have the look and feel of leather but are lightweight and water-repellent. Most of the bags are topped with vintage brooches or repurposed jewelry and buttons. They range from fun and funky to sophisticated and chic. Customers can select the styles that fit their outfit, personality or mood of the day.