We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chau Saenz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chau, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I discovered my purpose through a journey of personal exploration and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by multitasking individuals. My purpose emerged at the intersection of my passion for handbags, my love for organization, and my newfound appreciation for craftsmanship, all while striving to balance elegance with practicality in my own life.
The moment of clarity came when I became a mother. I realized the importance of finding balance—not just in life, but in the way we express ourselves. I wanted to create something that allowed individuals like myself to move through their day with grace, confidence, and a sense of empowerment. This realization led me to combine my love for fashion with the functionality that busy lives demand, and that’s when I knew I had found my purpose.
I took this vision to the next level by honing my craft under the guidance of an Hermes-trained artisan. This experience deepened my appreciation for the artistry and intentionality behind every piece, which I now infuse into every design I create. My purpose is not just about making beautiful products; it’s about helping others carry their stories and elevate their journeys, all while staying true to themselves.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I design luxury leather goods and accessories that blend elegance with functionality. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to create pieces that not only enhance style but also serve as meaningful companions on life’s journey. My designs are deeply rooted in intentionality—every detail is carefully considered, from the high-quality Italian craftsmanship to the thoughtful features that make each piece both beautiful and practical.
What makes Chau Sáenz truly special is our commitment to creating products that resonate with our customers’ personal stories. Our tagline, “Carry Your Story, Elevate Your Journey,” embodies this philosophy. Each bag is more than just an accessory; it’s a reflection of who you are and the path you’re on. For example, our signature pink interior is a tribute to the name my late grandfather gave me and serves as a subtle reminder of self-love and positivity—a small touch that makes a big impact throughout the day.
As for what’s new, we recently had a successful pop-up event where our collection, including the Love Charm, Luna bag and the Roni bag, was very well received. I’m excited to announce that we’ll be officially launching the Love Charm soon, a piece that has already garnered a lot of interest. Additionally, we’re continuing to expand our collection with more versatile and timeless pieces, all handcrafted in Italy by the same artisans who work with Chanel and Balmain.
I’m passionate about sustainability and mindful production, so each piece is created with intention, avoiding overproduction and contributing to global waste reduction. I want my customers to feel that they’re not only investing in a luxury product but also in a brand that values quality, sustainability, and the unique journey of each individual.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities have been particularly impactful in my journey: resilience, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to authenticity.
Resilience has been crucial, especially as a creator and entrepreneur. Building a brand from the ground up comes with its challenges, and there were moments when things didn’t go as planned. But resilience kept me moving forward. It’s about embracing setbacks as learning opportunities and staying committed to the vision, even when the path isn’t clear.
Attention to detail is another key aspect. In the world of luxury design, every detail matters—from the choice of materials to the stitching on a bag. My training under Hermes artisans taught me the importance of precision and the beauty that comes from meticulous craftsmanship. This focus on detail is what elevates my designs and makes them stand out in a crowded market.
Finally, authenticity has been a guiding principle. Staying true to who I am and what I believe in has shaped my brand. I’ve always designed with intention, creating pieces that resonate with real people and their unique stories. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or what others are doing, but I’ve found that staying authentic to my vision and values has been key to creating something meaningful.
For those early in their journey, my advice is this: First, cultivate resilience. Understand that challenges are part of the process, and they’re often what make success that much more rewarding. Second, pay attention to the details—whether in your craft, your business, or your relationships. Excellence is often found in the small things. Lastly, be true to yourself. Authenticity is your most powerful asset. When you’re genuine in your work and your vision, it resonates with others and builds lasting connections.
Keep learning, stay open to growth, and remember that every step—no matter how small—brings you closer to your goals.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
As a solo entrepreneur and mom, feeling overwhelmed is something I’ve had to navigate often. When it hits, I’ve learned that the most important thing is to step back and prioritize. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks and responsibilities, but I remind myself that not everything needs to be done at once.
One strategy that helps me is breaking things down into smaller, manageable steps. I focus on what absolutely needs to be done right now and let go of the rest, at least temporarily. It’s about giving myself permission to tackle one thing at a time rather than trying to do it all at once.
Another key practice is carving out moments for self-care, even if they’re brief. Whether it’s a quick walk, a few minutes of meditation, or just enjoying a quiet cup of tea, these small breaks help me reset and recharge. It reminds me that taking care of myself is just as important as taking care of my business and family.
Lastly, I lean on my support system when I need to. Whether it’s asking for help from a family member, friend, or just sharing how I’m feeling with someone who understands, it’s important to not go through it alone. Sometimes just talking things through can lift a huge weight off my shoulders.
My advice to others is to be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Prioritize, take things one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Remember, balance is a journey, not a destination, and it’s okay to recalibrate along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chausaenz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chausaenz_official/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chausaenzofficial/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chau-saenz/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chausaenzofficial
Image Credits
Credit all the photos as follows: Photography: Thang Dao @thang_dao | Creative Director: Machiko Harashima @machi_momma The exception is the photo has the green bag with the messenger bag, and the guy with a belt bag – that is credit as follows: Art Direction and Photography: Niko Vilaivongs @niko.shootz (it’s the photo of the green luna with the roni messenger bag)
