Meet Aimee Bruyninckx | Handbag Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aimee Bruyninckx and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aimee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After being in the handbag industry for several years, I started paying closer attention to factories and the development process. When traveling overseas to a variety of factories, it was so great to see how employees were treated and the behind the scenes of how things were run. Most of the companies I have worked for have carefully chosen factories who treat employees fairly with good working conditions. But the other side of overworked employees with low wages has been so disappointing to me. The manufacturing process is something most don’t think about unless you have seen the development side. Having this perspective, it was so important to me to launch a Handbag line where all pieces are well made, thoughtfully made with a modern and playful aesthetic. I love being able to support very talented local artisans and Refugee women who live near me. It is a concept that isn’t yet out in the market and working with such talented artisans- it can be done. It’s an exciting process and can be so rewarding when everyone is benefiting from a successful development process.Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The pattern making and construction process has always been so important to me. I love the research and creation behind what goes into 3-Demensional product. Working with pattern makers, going thru sample to revised sample to make changes. It’s tedious and takes hard work and positivity. You have to have a vision for the end result otherwise it can get very discouraging. But it is so rewarding when you get it right!! All patterns are carefully made and materials are carefully chosen. Last year I changed my bag development, so that now I am working with Refugee women sewing in their own homes. It has been such a positive change that has really improved the quality and consistency of the product. At this point all bags are made in Dallas, but planning to expand some as we start handbags and leather goods.Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We are so lucky in Dallas to have great food and culture! A visit to the DMA is a must or trip to the Arboretum with kids is great on a pretty day. Lula Bs, Roam Fine Goods and Anthropologie in HPV are great stops too. Love a walk thru Forty Five Ten, Mirador and the Main Street area is fun and eclectic. A few favorite restaurants are Taverna or Sixty Vines for Italian, our new Eataly for dinner, fun groceries and other goodies. Oishii or Sky Blossom for Asian. I also really love the patio at Good Friends and Amigos for lunch or drinks. So many great options :)) !Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends have been so supportive of my career overall. My family has a very artistic background, and has always been so encouraging of my career in an Artistic field which I really appreciate. Especially more recently, as I have freelanced and in launching Bag Pop, I couldn’t do this and keep it going at a steady pace without my community and support. Friends are always asking what’s new and giving me constructive feedback on materials and pricing. They are passing me new ideas and curious to see what’s coming up. In a field that’s so subjective, the positivity and encouragement is so needed and MUCH appreciated. I have really leaned on my community in this!

Website: Shopbagpop.com

Instagram: @shopbagpop & @abdesignportfolio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-bruyninckx

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/shopbagpop