Hi, I’m Dorothy, the founder and passionate creator behind Dorothy Bags. Let me share with you the journey that has shaped my dream into reality, a story that began when I was just a teenager.

Young Beginnings with Grand Ambitions

At the young age of 16, I began crafting my first bag in my small workshop at home, inspired by the materials I found at my grandmas home. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion. Each bag I made felt like a little piece of me, and I couldn’t wait to share them with others.

Fast fashion had taken over. Beautiful craftsmanship was being replaced with rushed production and materials that wore out far too soon. I knew there had to be another way.

Crafting my first leather bags with materials from my grandma

Italy: The Craft That Changed My Life

 Although I had always loved designing and stichting, I decided to pursue a business degree, believing it would be the most practical path.

But, as is often the case with passion, it couldn't be contained. It was a trip to Rome, Italy, a city renowned for its rich leather-making tradition, that reignited my love for craftsmanship.

The city’s artistic spirit, its streets lined with history and romance, overwhelmed me. 

Rome was where I fell in love all over again—not just with the city but with the art of jewelry handcrafting bags.  

The moment I touched my first handcrafted leather bag in a boutique, I knew I was destined to create bags that would make people feel special.

Determined to delve deeper, I traveled across Europe, studying under master craftsmen who taught me the age-old techniques that now define my creations.

Walking through Rome with my new handcrafted leather bag

Building a Dream from Scratch 

Returning to Savannah, life brought love and partnership in the form of my husband, and together, we embarked on building my dream.  

With little more than determination and a love for my craft, I opened my first boutique at 28, located in a quiet corner of my city. 

Those early years were tough—juggling family life with the demands of building a business, especially as my daughters grew up. 

But each challenge made me more committed.  

With every bag that left my workshop, I felt a sense of pride.

Opening my first boutique in Savannah, Georgia

Craftsmanship That Speaks to the Heart 

Today, Dorothy Bags is a haven for those who seek pieces with soul, crafted by hands that care deeply about every detail.  My designs blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, each piece telling its own unique story.  

I use only the finest leather and materials, sourced sustainably, because I believe in crafting beauty with respect for the world around us.

Crafting leather bags by hand in my boutique.

From One Boutique to a Worldwide Passion 

As the years passed, my small boutique turned into a destination for bag lovers, many of whom travel from all over the world to experience my creations firsthand. 

It was humbling and exhilarating to see customers from distant towns, eager to experience the magic of my handcrafted pieces firsthand. 

I’ve seen people not just buy bags, but find pieces that truly resonate with them, bags that become a part of their journey. 

This incredible response fueled my passion further, inspiring me to continue creating leather bags that was worth the journey, no matter the distance.