Hello! Welcome to Bags By Uma. I’m so happy you’re here.
My name is Uma. I grew up in Johannesburg, and when I was 17 I learned how to sew. Sewing quickly became more than just a skill for me, it became a way to earn income, yes, but more importantly, it became a way for me to express myself, to find who I am, and to create something meaningful from fabric and thread. When I turned 18, I turned that passion into UMA
🌱 Why I started this
For me, a bag is never “just a bag.” A good bag should carry more than your things, it should carry style, confidence, and a piece of your story. I saw that many bags out there felt impersonal or just didn’t suit everyday life the way I imagined. I wanted something functional and beautiful; something personal, versatile, and made with care. That’s why I decided to design or craft myself bags that I would want to own: pieces that reflect real life, not just fashion catalogues.
From learning to sew in my small space, to designing pieces that actually meet the needs of everyday life commuting, studying, errands, nights out Bags By Uma was born out of necessity, creativity, and heart.
💖 What’s special about Bags By Uma
-
A personal touch & authenticity: This isn’t a faceless store — it’s a brand built from my own love for craftsmanship and real-life needs. Each bag reflects a part of me: my style, my values, and what I believe a bag should do.
-
Design meets purpose: I believe in bags that grow with you — for work, for school, for errands, for evenings — not just seasonal trends.
-
Craftsmanship & care: Because I started by sewing the bags myself, I know firsthand what goes into making them — the stitching, the choice of materials, the finishing — and I care deeply about doing it well.
-
Real-life friendly: My bags are for real people living real lives. Whether you’re commuting, studying, working, traveling, or going out, there’s a bag that adapts to your day.
📖 What you can expect from this blog & from me
On this blog, I want to go beyond just selling products. I want to share the story behind Bags By Uma — my inspiration, the creative process, and why I believe in what I make. I’ll bring you along the journey: design ideas, behind-the-scenes glimpses, tips on choosing the right bag for your lifestyle, care advice so your bag lasts, and inspiration for how to style and use bags for different occasions. I hope this becomes a space where you don’t just find a bag but connect with the person behind it, someone who cares about quality, practicality, and style just as much as you do.
Thank you for being here and trusting my vision. I’m excited to have you with me on this journey.
If you like what you see, feel free to explore the collection, subscribe for updates, or send me a message, I’d love to hear from you.
Uma Chasokela,
UMA
1 comment
Hi Uma, do you sell your bags in wholesale?