Hello, thanks for visiting C O N S U E R E
My name is Zila and I am originally from Rio de Janeiro - Brasil { my mother language is Portuguese } and I've been transplanted to Arizona by my husband who is an American citizen. Together we have two kids and four cats.
I’ve always loved to create. As a child my favorite past time was drawing and paper crafts. When I was a teenager I discovered the magic of Photography. I grew up watching my mom and grandma making things for the house, for me and for other people.
I’ve learned the basics of sewing with my grandma on her 1913 Singer. When I moved to the USA 11 years ago I decided to buy a sewing machine to make pillows, curtains and other simple things for my kids. Making crafts and sewing kept me sane as I did not know anyone in the city.
In 2005 I discovered many arts and crafts blogs and I jumped on that bandwagon. Eventually my sewing skills improved. I opened an Etsy shop in 2007 and, surprisingly, I discovered that I loved making bags. In 2009 I decided to take a break to spend more time with my little boys and rethink my style and ideas. Then last year after saving money for several months, I purchased an industrial sewing machine to work with leather and other heavy materials like canvas.
I absolutely love designing and sewing handbags. I can create something different every day. I like the artistic freedom of my projects.
Some of the materials I use are vintage and purchased locally. I also have a large stash of fabrics that I've collected over the years. The leather is usually upcycled from AZ upholstery factories or purchased here in town.
C O N S U E R E is a one woman production. I design, I shop for supplies, I test materials, I sew the bags, I photograph, I list, I promote my shop. My goal is to offer bags and accessories that are beautiful, thoughtful and well made.
