Sooooo excited to introduce you to Ziva Naseer today!! They are the most beautiful handmade bags and I know you are going to just fall head over heels for them!!!

Confidence is the best accessory, but a great handbag is a close second. -Dominique, Owner

INTERVIEW WITH ZIVA NASEER

-We were so intrigued to discover your beautiful bags! Tell us about the company and how you got started!

It all started when I was looking for unique gifts in Abu Dhabi to take home to my family for Christmas. I visited one of my favorite souvenir shops in the local souk near my house. I’d seen mosaic bags at the souk previously and I wanted to share them with my friends and family. So, I recorded a video and posted it on my IG. Within 5 minutes my inbox was full of women asking for a bag of their own. I spent the next 8 months finding out everything I could about these gorgeous bags and the technique used to make them. Now, I have an amazing supplier and team of expert craftsmen who allow me to create and improve my bags as much as possible. Honestly, it was prayer and courage that got me through those first few months. I love fashion but I had no business sense whatsoever. I reached out to my mother who was a finance professor and a few friends who have their own successful businesses and I just became a sponge, soaking up every piece of advice they would give me. When there were roadblocks, I found a way around them and when I heard “no” I found a way to make it a yes. Also, my family was extremely supportive. Ziva Naseer is a family run business. My sister helps me when it’s time to fill orders and my mom helps me with finances and choosing which designs to release next.

-Was that the beginning of your passion for handbags?

My passion for handbags began when I was a child, about 9 or 10 years old. My grandmother owns 200+ handbags. I remember helping her organize all her bags and shoes in different colors and textures. Each one was so unique, and she was so proud to share the stories that came with each of them. They are such warm memories for me, and the tradition continued with my own mother in my teens. When I got old enough, my mom gifted me a lot of her bags and whenever I would wear one, it’d be the most unique purse amongst my friends. Of course, when people asked, “Where did you get your bag?” I’d proudly tell them “it belonged to my mother.” That’s my hope for Ziva Naseer. I want my bags to be passed down as unique, fashion forward and classic statement pieces!

-Where do you look for design inspiration?

Most of my inspiration comes from spending time around sea life, at the beach, aquariums and different traveling experiences I’ve had while in the UAE and Ghana. For example, our signature design elements appear in several ways: the blue and green jewel tones that resemble ocean water, the mother of pearl iridescent seashells that connect us to the land and hand carved elephants paying homage to wildlife. Additionally, the unique geometric shape of each bag adds the final touch of elegance and femininity to each design.

-What is it about a bag that excites you?

For me, it’s the way a handbag completes the look. We’ve seen sooo many unique bags, especially in the current trends. From mini bags to Birkin bags, people are making sure they have the flyest bag in the room. I love being a part of that. The feedback I always get is about how many compliments my customers receive when they wear a Ziva Naseer. The right handbag can steal all the attention and that’s what we aim to do.

-Describe the Ziva Naseer woman.

A Ziva Naseer woman is a boss! She’s feminine and fashion forward. Loves a great festival but will also put on her LBD for a fantastic date night. Most importantly, a Ziva Naseer woman breaks chains and shatters ceilings. She’s all of us! That’s what I want for each of my customers. To be women who create their own lane.

-If you had to pick a favorite bag from your website right now- what would you pick (one for day and another for night), which would they be and why?

For day I pick the Elephant Ziva in Ivory! I honestly love this bag! When I decided to release it, I was so nervous, hoping everyone else would love it too. It’s the perfect size and easily pairs with my entire wardrobe. I always use this bag when I’m going to get my nails done or running errands around the city. It will usually become the topic of conversation.

For night, I choose the Mini Ziva. It’s a sassy looking bag. Small but super sturdy and has a lock clasp when you close it. I’d trust my personal items inside this bag at a packed concert or on a stroll down a busy street. It’s also covered in gold brass studs so it’s a great evening bag no matter what you decide to get into.

-Which is your most popular bag?

Our most popular bag is the Elephant Ziva in Ivory and in Ebony. I get several requests for these bags and they sell out extremely fast. Also, I don’t create a lot of each design, the most of any design I’ll make is about 20 pieces because I like the idea of exclusivity. But, I’m currently on my third restock of the Elephant Ziva bag.

-The designs of your bags indicate that you don't pay much attention to trends. (They are so classic) That's a very refreshing change. How do you achieve that?

Thank you for noticing that, by definition mosaic bags are classic and I’m careful to maintain their originality. From the way they are crafted to my design influences and my love for unique handbags that started as a child, the entire design process is personal. I am extremely intentional about maintaining our classic look and designs to transcend current trends. They are definitely meant to be stylish heirlooms passed down from generation to generation.

-Do you intend to go beyond bags and branch out into other accessories perhaps?

Well, I’d love to expand into jewelry and shoes. However, I want to maintain the signature Ziva Naseer studded look and so we are working with our craftsmen and playing around with designs to find the perfect fit.

-In one word: how would you define yourself as a handbag designer?

Fire!!!

-What is the most valuable lesson you have learned so far?

Never second guess yourself and always trust your first creative thought! I cannot repeat those words enough. I’m a new designer and stepping into this realm can be intimidating. But I have to remind myself daily that I am here on purpose. This is exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’ve talked myself out of some great ideas but in the moments when I’m brave enough to just go for it, something incredible always happens!

What's next for your brand, and how do you plan to get there? What are your visions for the future?

I have a lot of visions, lol! First, I’m praying for a smooth holiday season. But after winter I will introduce a new collection. I’m working on it now and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

Discover more here! SOOOOO gorgeous, right?! I have a few on my holiday list!!! The Olive Ziva most definitely needs to move in with me.

https://zivanaseer.com/

Follow their Instagram here!