About Us
Built for the Journey. Handcrafted in Florida.
Hi, I'm Helen, the maker behind 1820 Bag Co.
Every bag you see here has been designed, patterned, cut, sewn and finished, packed and shipped by me in my Fort Lauderdale studio.
1820 Bag Co. began because of one frustrating moment in an airport.
While running through an airport, the strap on my laptop bag broke. It wasn't overloaded or abused, it simply wasn't built to last. Standing there with a bag that had failed when I needed it the most, I remember thinking, there has to be a better way.
That experience sparked a journey I never expected.
I dusted off an old White sewing machine and started sewing again. What began as curiosity quickly became an obsession with designing bags that could stand up to real life. Bags that could travel well, work hard and become even better with age.
Over the years, my studio has grown, my tools have changed, and my designs have evolved, but the mission has remained exactly the same.
Every bag iImake carries that same promise, built to last, made for you.
Why Every Bag Has a Florida Name
One of my favorite parts of creating a new design happens after the last stitch is sewn.
Every bag I make is named after a Florida city.
Because each piece is handcrafted here in Florida, it felt fitting that every design should carry a little piece of home with it. Once a new bag is finished, I pull out a list of Florida towns and cities and figure out which city name feels right.
Sometimes it's because of the personality of the bag. Sometimes it's the history behind the town.
The result is a collection that is uniquely Floridian, bags inspired by craftsmanship and built for wherever life takes you.
Made Slowly. Made Intentionally.
1820 Bag Co. is a small-bath studio, not a production line. Each bag is designed and handcrafted by me using materials chosen for durability, charter, and how they'll age over time, including waxed canvas, leather, CORDURA® linings, and quality hardware.
I make makes to be used, not stored in a closet. The scratches, creases and patina they collect along the way aren't flaws, they're part of the story.
Craftsmanship Still Matters.
I don't want 1820 Bag Co. to be the biggest bag company. I simply want to make honest, well-designed bags that people carry for years.
Whether your bag is headed to work, through an airport, down a hiking trail or simply out for the day, I hope it becomes something you reach for without thinking, because it works, because you love it, and because it was made to last.
Thank you for supporting handmade craftsmanship and my little corner of Florida.
- Helen
Founder & Maker, 1820 Bag Co.