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.