Bags of Style

When Emma Castles received her first bag in primary school, she remembers being fascinated with the texture and pattern of the leather. It’s at this young age where Emma’s love of leather goods began; a love that she has turned into her new business venture Toots + Co.

“I just love leather. I think I’ve owned a leather bag in every shape and size. I have an archive of every handbag I’ve ever owned under our spare bed,” says Emma.

Toots + Co design and produce leather baby bags – but that description doesn’t do the business justice as the bags are so much more than that.

The concept is two bags in one. A larger bag to hold everything for a baby/toddler/child, and a clutch that can hold all mum’s things. The clutch attaches to the outside of the baby bag creating a clear division between possessions, and most importantly, the capability to attach/detach quickly.

The bags are designed for longevity, with every detail deliberately included, ensuring use well beyond the early years.

But how does a qualified accountant turn her hand to bag designing?

“I had an idea for a bag rattling around in my mind for a long time, but as a start-up, it was hard to find someone to manufacture or translate my idea into a pattern.

“I’m hands on when I need to solve a problem, so when I couldn’t find anyone to pattern make my bags, I went off and learnt the skills to do this myself.

“I completed a bag making course at RMIT one month before my son was born. Sewing leather at a machine with a pregnant belly was certainly a challenge.”

When Emma became a mum, the business went on hold for a while. It was during this period that her idea behind a practical, chic, stylish and impeccably designed baby bag was validated, and the best refinements to the design were made.

“I used several different styles of baby bags with my son. This meant that any lacking practicalities were swiftly rectified in my design. All the finishing touches on the bags were based around what I needed as a mum.”

Venturing into a business which is a far cry from her career as an accountant hasn’t been all sunshine and lollipops. However there have been people and moments along the way that have reminded Emma that this new direction was worth it.

“So many people have shared their knowledge and advice. They have given me direction and sometimes a push forward. The journey has been shaped for the better by all these people.

“I was fortunate to have a local business woman with an excellent eye for detail and a sound knowledge of the retail market as a sounding board.

“This one particular day she swung the bag up onto her shoulder to test it out. When she turned to the side I thought, ‘Wow, that looks amazing’. Anyone walking past would have seen me beaming ear to ear. My feeling of accomplishment was so strong in that moment.”

This support has been especially helpful during times of unplanned hurdles.

“I worked on the original design for 18 months. The first prototype resembling my cardboard mock-up was exciting. But the contrast was receiving subsequent samples and having problems with them.”

For a brief period Emma almost gave up, believing she was content producing a single bag for her own use.

“But I continued with my dream and launched early this year (2018). The silver lining to these unplanned hurdles was launching with four bags, not two as originally planned.

“I felt pressure when releasing a product that has so much of my heart and soul in it, but I’m glad I persisted. I think it’s perfect – and I hope others love it as much as I do.”

The Toots + Co launch range of bags has a subtle reminder of where it all began. All bags feature full grain leather, just like Emma’s first bag. The bag that sparked her love of leather, and now her business.