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| "Avery" Wristlet, Chocolate Brown Lamb Skin, $215 |
"Amina", Large Tote, Purple Croco Embossed, $415 |
"Mail" Clutch, Cherry Red Lamb Skin, $80 |
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| 1. | Just wanna say I love your story, I can tell you put alot of heart into your work, and you're very passionate about it. Your feature has truly inspired me. I'm an aspiring handbag designer, I'm in the development phase, and I'm getting more of a true feel of exactly what I want things to look like. Much success with your line. - Paulette from CA, January 22, 2008. |
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| My name is Lori Chalmers, an ex graphic designer turned
handbag designer that runs an accessory line named Cha Cha. In 2004 I started
experimenting with leather and hand dyed canvas in from my bachelor apartment. I
would do the odd craft show and sell to a few local shops, although it was my
passion it was still a hobby . Cha Cha started taking over my apartment and much
of my spare time so in May 2007 I took a huge step, quit my graphic designer job
with a Canadian accessory line and committed all my time to developing Cha Cha.
It was a move that I am thankful for everyday. I really love what I do. Cha Cha
is available online through Etsy and in a variety of boutiques throughout Canada
and the United States.
Leather is the main ingredient in most bags you will find at Cha Cha but I do
experiment with canvas and wool. Some pieces are made from hand-dyed canvas and
have been printed with original Cha Cha art. I use vintage hardware and fabrics
in my custom orders and one of a kind pieces. It makes each bag even more
special. The women who love Cha Cha are confident in their personal style,
appreciate detail, quality and individuality above all else.
Cha Cha started as a hobby while I was in College. I had a night out planned for
a friends birthday and I wanted a red purse to match my outfit. Since I was a
broke college student I couldn't just go buy something, so I went to a second
hand store, bought an old red leather skirt, brought it home, took it apart and
constructed my very first bag. That is the day Cha Cha was born. Every piece is
hand made in my Toronto studio. All of my bags are made in very small
quantities, usually no more then 5 at a time and are often made to order which
makes all of my bags limited additions. I often use vintage fabric and hardware
for clutches and my signature Cha Cha printed fabric for larger bags. There know
two bags exactly alike.
My nightmare is thinking about how much money I have wasted on leather over the
past many years. When I first started I would get so excited about new ideas,
leather and colors and I would make my first sample with leather instead of
practicing on canvas or a cheaper material until I perfected the style. When you
are not experienced it means lots of mistakes. I have learned to be more
patient, and realize that beautiful pieces takes time.
I feel like everyday at Cha Cha is another achievement. Selling a bag to someone
who lives in a country I have never heard of is an achievement, going out for
lunch and seeing someone carrying one of my bags is an achievement, being a
feature designer on a website or magazine is and achievement, just being in
business another day is an achievement. |
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What is your name? |
Lori Chambers |
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Where are you from? |
London, Canada |
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Where do you live now? |
Toronto, Canada |
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How old are you? |
28 |
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Do you have a design background? |
Yes, in graphic design. |
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Do you still have a day job? |
No. |
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What year were your bags born? |
2005 |
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Bag brand name: |
Cha Cha |
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What is their retail price range? |
$35 - $500 |
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Where can a shopper buy your bags? |
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5195891 |
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For more information, contact: |
www.chachalifestyle.com |
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