It’s easy to walk by Consuela’s colorful LaCenterra boutique and instantly see the fun, the energy and the vibes radiating from the inside out.
But, these sparks of joy are only scratching the surface of the deep-rooted mission and purpose that lies beneath.
Founder and artisan Conni Reed has seen her dream come to life before her eyes. Not because it was handed to her, not because it was easy. But, because she kept walking a path of determination, of purpose and of authenticity that led her to exactly where she’s meant to be.
Walking into the Dallas Market 20 years ago, that dream was clear. That vision for a lifestyle brand that is more than the products they’d sell, but all about the emotions behind them.
A brand that finds joy in the journey.
A brand that connects women in meaningful ways.
A brand that’s rooted in appreciating the craftsmanship and artistry put into it.
A brand that truly serves its customers, its team and its community.
Because, it’s always been about more than just a bag.
Consuela handbags and accessories are now featured in over 1,000 stores nationwide, but they’ve chosen to keep their flagship brick and mortar stores tightly select, only in Katy, in Austin and in between in Smithville, TX.
Holding tight to the mission behind Consuela, and stemming from her love of Mexican traditions and inspirations, Conni has worked hand in hand with true artisans across the region to deliver handbags, and now accessories, that are unmatched.
She even touts their motto as such.
“The ‘Art of the Unmatched’ is our trademarked design philosophy and it’s the basis, foundation and inspiration for our collection each season. The word unmatched is intentional – different from mismatched, unmatched is purposeful, varied, and unexpected, resembling each of our personal histories and lives,” she explains.
And unmatched is more than just a philosophy, but a promise.
A level of thoughtful design, intentional sourcing and artisan quality.
Conni and her team have knocked on doors, and built relationships over the past two decades with artists, leather makers, bead workers, hand weavers, and embroidery artists to name a few, spanning from here in Texas and winding down paths into where it all started for her. Beyond the border.
From a young girl traveling into Mexico with her family, it’s been a source of her inspiration from the beginning. It’s even how her nickname of “consuela” was coined - for her love and spirit of the latino world.
Meaning to console and comfort, Consuela was an obvious yet foreshadowed name she’d carry into her business. A business that now brings comfort and peace to all of those it touches.
“We use vivid colors and unexpected textures for each season as these things have a physiological effect on us. There are many studies around the impact that color has on our state of mind and happiness. The color and textural juxtapositions get our endorphins flowing,” she explains.
Threading together opportunities, weaving in joy and stitching together a brand that uplifts women wherever it can.
Even putting together the finishing touches of all Consuela bags and accessories is an assembled group of stay at home moms, hand weaving and stitching elements together, one thread at a time.
The passion behind the brand is displayed once again when they started their “It’s Not About The Bag” charitable giving program.
A campaign that focuses on honoring and celebrating everyday heroes and community pillars based on nominations, and carefully selected by their team to receive a custom Consuela bag filled with accessories.
Scrolling through the over 1,000 “Viva Babes” that have been chosen and featured on their website over the years, and reading each of their stories is an awe-inspiring and heartwarming feat.
Women who have selflessly given their time, talents and energy to helping others.
Women who are bravely battling cancer.
Women who champion important causes and vital services.
Women who ask for little in return, yet Conni has taken the initiative to send a token of appreciation.
When asked why this campaign was so important to her, she replied, “I lived alone from a young age, and I saw the struggles within all of our stories, as mothers, caregivers, creatives and providers supporting others, and wanted to do something to connect with each other.”
Simply put, a thank you, from one woman to another.
And with all they’ve accomplished and have grown into over the past two decades, Consuela still stands tall on its four core principles.
They’re rooted in the purpose to choose joy, build community, uplift people and deliver a quality product that goes along the journey with you.
Confidence, purpose, connection - it’s all in the bag.
Come Consuelbrate 20 years of magic with disco balls, champagne and a dose of happy in person at one of their brick & mortar stores:
KATY, TX
LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch
23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard, Suite B150
AUSTIN, TX
North University
3500 Guadalupe Street, Suite B
SMITHVILLE, TX
Downtown
110 Northwest 2nd Street
To view Consuela collections, all retail locations or read & submit a nomination for the It’s Not About The Bag program, visitConsuelaStyle.com.
Threading together opportunities, weaving in joy and stitching together a brand that uplifts women wherever it can.