Things We Love Thursday: Not-Your-Average-Bag

Contributed by Emma Callin

It's not uncommon these days to sit through the end credits of a movie at the cinema - more and more films have extra footage hidden either mid-credits or right at the very end.  While sitting there waiting I often end up reading the credits themselves, along with the statement that accompanies most movie credits: "no animals were harmed in the making of this film".  This statement is increasingly echoed by the fashion industry, with many cosmetics bearing the label "not tested on animals" and "cruelty free" offerings available from many clothing brands.  However, while making a stand for animal rights is indeed a noble cause, it is also important to consider whether a brand supports the rights of human beings too - fair wages, safe working conditions, reasonable working hours.

Fair trade is hardly a new concept in Canada, though many people still seem to think that the term only applies to chocolate and coffee and not fashion!  Fairtrade Canada defines fair trade as "seek[ing] to change the terms of trade for the products we buy - to ensure the farmers and artisans behind those products get a better deal".  Not-Your-Average-Bag is one accessories company that strives to follow this model, providing artisans in Guatemala with stable, year-round employment and a fair price for their handmade leather goods.  Founder Walter Loeppky filled us in on how the company got started and what they do.  

Getting some work done with the computer bag.

How did Not-Your-Average-Bag get started? 

"I bought one of the briefcases on a house-building mission trip to Guatemala about eight years ago, on the next trip I bought one of the leather duffle bags. I used both of them extensively in my day-to-day job and got many compliments and envious looks when people saw them. Eventually I thought that importing and selling the bags would provide steady jobs for the craftsmen who sew these bags and Not-Your-Average-Bag (NYAB) was born. Unique, high-quality products and sustainable income is what we are all about."

My husband's biggest concern when considering a briefcase is whether it fits his lunch too (it does)! 

Who designs the bags?

"The bag designs were essentially complete when I bought the first ones in the market but we have made a few changes. The buckles are heavier and stronger on the NYAB product than the 'standard issue' that you can buy in Guatemala, likewise for the handles. We also added a shoulder pad to the strap of every bag. Small touches, but meaningful to the overall quality and durability of the product. We also developed a very vintage-looking logo with a classic aircraft and airmail letter edging."

One of several new pieces coming this Spring/Summer 2015: a convenient backpack.

How are the bags made?

"The bags are almost entirely hand-sewn from heavy, full-grain leather. They do have a very old treadle-type sewing machine that can be used on some of the lighter seams, but this is only for a small percentage of the work. The shop is on the edge of Guatemala City and three brothers are the principle owners/craftsmen. Leather is bought locally unless the rainy season is especially wet, in which case some of the leather comes from Mexico."

Great for the gym or travel, the duffle bag also includes a handy cloth laundry bag.  New for Spring/Summer 2015 is a leather shaving kit (not shown) that fits inside with room to spare.  I am carrying the new book bag (see next image).

"Because leather varies (both the skins and the dying process are not completely consistent) and each bag is handmade, you will never find two that are identical.  What you buy from NYAB is truly one-of-a-kind. Every bag requires one to two days of labour to sew (depending on the specific product, number of pockets, etc). There are transportation costs, duty, export taxes, GST, brokerage fees, and storage fees that all add to the price of each bag but it is still a very good value for what you are getting."

Another introduction for Spring/Summer 2015, this book bag fits most laptops and is perfect for students.

How does NYAB benefit the artisans who make the bags? 

"The whole point of the business is to provide jobs for the artisans and make just enough profit to stay in business and keep workers employed. We pay the full retail price of the bags to the people who manufacture them - what they would sell for in the local markets of Guatemala City or Antigua. This seems to be fair compensation and a living wage for the people who make the bags."

Walter with the bags that started it all! 

Photos courtesy of: 

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