What is Purse & Clutch?
Purse & Clutch is a woman-owned, slow fashion brand that partners directly with artisans around the world. Each handbag tells a story, carries a culture, and embodies a commitment to ethical craftsmanship. This brand isn’t just about making beautiful women’s accessories—it’s about creating meaningful connections and supporting artisans in India, Mexico, and Ethiopia. As a Certified B Corp, Purse & Clutch guarantees fair employment and long-term relationships, ensuring every piece is crafted with care and integrity.
The Main Benefit: Ethical Fashion You Can Trust
What sets Purse & Clutch apart? It’s their dedication to ethical fashion and the people behind each product. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Certified B Corp with a high score of 96.9
- Direct partnerships with artisan groups in India, Mexico, and Ethiopia
- Fair wages paid upfront, eliminating production risk for artisans
- Commitment to no forced or child labor
- Long-term sustainable work relationships
- Use of natural dyes and environmentally conscious production methods
- Strict nondiscrimination policy based on gender, race, caste, political affiliation, or age
How the Artisan Partnerships Work
The model is simple but powerful. Purse & Clutch pays artisans upfront for raw materials and agrees on a fair wage before production even begins. This means artisans don’t have to worry about financial risk—they get consistent paychecks to support their families. The brand’s approach fosters trust and stability, allowing artisans to focus on what they do best: crafting unique, high-quality handbags. It’s a slow fashion philosophy that values people over speed or mass production.
The Collaborative Design Process
Design at Purse & Clutch is a true collaboration. The brand works closely with artisans to highlight their unique skills and cultural heritage. Together, they brainstorm ideas—like adding a cell phone pocket, tweaking the scale of classic Mexican embossed details, or including a wristlet strap for extra functionality. The result? Handbags that blend tradition with modern needs, perfectly fitting the lifestyle of today’s conscious consumer. Each bag is a beautiful fusion of cultures and creativity.
Founder’s Story: A Decade of Growth and Impact
Jen Lewis, the founder and CEO, started this journey back in 2013 with a simple meeting at Figure 8 Coffee in Austin. She connected with a woman from Ethiopia who shared her vision for ethical fashion. Starting small was key—her artisan group needed steady, manageable orders, and Jen wanted to design practical handbags her customers would love. Over the years, that partnership blossomed, growing from 9 to 23 artisans and expanding to include workshops in Mexico and India. Last year, Purse & Clutch proudly became a Certified B Corp, marking a milestone in their sustainable growth.
Project Impact: Supporting Global Goals
- SDG 1: No Poverty – by providing fair wages and stable employment
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – empowering women artisans with fair work opportunities
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – fostering long-term artisan partnerships
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – using natural dyes and sustainable methods
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating globally with artisan communities
Joining the Nest Guild: A Community of Change Makers
Purse & Clutch is proud to be part of the Nest Guild, a global network of over 2,600 handcraft enterprises and maker businesses from 125+ countries. This community is all about collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. Members share resources, mentorship, and support to grow their impact. It’s not just business—it’s a movement toward a better future for artisans and the planet. To learn more, visit buildanest.org and see how this vibrant guild is shaping the future of ethical fashion.
