I was over the moon in awe and admiration when I stumbled upon Haut Totes. The wide variety of tote bags, pouches and cell phone bags, are nothing close to ordinary! Did I mention, that they are all hand made with exclusive fabrics, in Northern Nevada, by Melissa Lewis?!
I read her brief introduction on her etsy page and was so inspired, that I knew I had to introduce her to you. Yes, you guessed it! Melissa is Nina on the Moon’s Honorary Sister for the month of October!
Not only is Melissa Lewis the creative master-mind behind the uniquely diverse, hand bag collection, Haut Totes, she is also an empowering mother to two young girls, Satori and Sydney.
The love Melissa has for herself, her family and life, truly exudes through her product! Just take a look at all of the bold and vibrant prints! Melissa does it all, she cuts, sews, packs and ships every single bag. I hadn’t seen purses like these before, they are so much fun and feminine, I can’t help but smile!
Please take the time to read (and hopefully be inspired!) my brief interview with Melissa!
1. How did Haut Totes get its start? I am a stay at home mom to two young girls. My older daughter has a neuromuscular condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy and uses a power wheelchair which makes it hard for her to carry a purse. She complained that the bags available for wheelchairs were so boring and ugly. So, I made her a pink skull and hot pink faux fur bag that attaches to the side of her wheel chair. Long story short, since that happened in 2008, I have made and shipped literally thousands of bags all over the world.
2. Do you have a plan (“motto”) for life and business?
- Laugh a little, life is short
- Believe in yourself and your product
- Plan for success
- Be flexible and open to new ideas
- Be organized
(above: Melissa’s studio)
3. How do your daughters influence your work? My daughter were the reason I started Haut Totes, and the reason I continue with it. I do love the sewing, but if it weren’t for the fact that my sewing pays for some of the extra things we wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise, I certainly wouldn’t do it 70 hours a week!
4. You have done some travelling around the world, what is your favourite or most influential place? As for travel, I have been lucky enough to do a fair amount. I lived in Russia in 1993-94 and spent quite a bit of time in Turkey and Ghana. As well as shorter (few weeks) visits to Egypt, Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand, etc. I think the most inspirational place I’ve been would be Odumase Krobo, Ghana. I went there a few years back and stayed with a powder glass bead maker and his family for a month. The colours and textiles in Ghana are so vibrant and the people were extremely friendly and welcoming.
5. How has your practice changed over time? How do you deal with that pressure? I’m still trying to improve the way I deal with stress. My business has become far more successful than I anticipated and my “part-time” job is now 70-80 hours a week. I try to be very organized in my sewing studio or I lose huge amounts of time and REALLY stress out looking for stuff! I have to admit that laundry piles up, and I cook more frozen foods than I used to, but sometimes deciding to make frozen lasagna for dinner and taking the extra half hour you might have used cooking, to soak in a hot bath with a cup of tea does wonders for stress.
6. Any words of advice/tips for people who want to express their creativity, but don’t know how? Believe in yourself and your product!
Melissa would like to spread the love to TWO Nina on the Moon readers! The first giveaway will be the large, Pinup “Lovely Latinas” Tote Bag, and the second is the “Lovely Latina” Pinup Girl Zippered Pouch!
(Above: Large Pinup “Lovely Latinas” Tote Bag)
(Above: “Lovely Latina” Pinup Girl Zippered Pouch)
That is an awsome interview, she is really talented and does lovely work, she deserves alot of credit for what she does including taking care of her family, great job!!!!
Paula
Oh good luck to everyone!
Pretty designs and also pretty inspiration to create something fabulous.
See you!
I did the following!
1. Follow Nina on the Moon
2. Like Nina on the Moon Facebook
3. Like Haut Totes Facebook
4. Follow@HautTotes
[email protected]
what an inspiring woman! I love how organized her studio is! I don’t think I’ll ever get anywhere until I get organized. You shouldn’t see my room haha.
I did the following!
1. Follow Nina on the Moon as meki
2. Like Nina on the Moon Facebook
3. Like Haut Totes Facebook
4. Follow@HautTotes
melody_1504(at)yahoo(dot)com
I did the following!
1. Follow Nina on the Moon – Kimberly W
2. Like Nina on the Moon Facebook – Kimberly Fine Wright
3. Like Haut Totes Facebook- Kimberly Fine Wright
4. Follow@HautTotes as @ WrightWin
halochanel at gmail dot com
[email protected]
Blogged
https://welcometothefabfactory.blogspot.com/2011/10/win-haut-totes.html
halochanel at gmail dot com
I follow Nia On the Moon on twitter @ WrightWin
halochanel at gmail dot com
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/WrightWin/status/123795443795759105
halochanel at gmail dot com
I Let Melissa know which is your favorite tote on her facebook (Kimberly Fine Wright)
halochanel at gmail dot com
perfect!!
wonderful blog, i’m following you now. hope you’ll follow me back. if you can’t see my google member list, please press F5 . thank you so much, honey!
wish you wonderful day.
maren anita
https://www.fashion-meets-art.blogspot.com
Her craft room makes me wanna cry. SO awesome!!!
beautiful designs! great interview.
thanks for you comment. I follow you now.
bye!
Happy I saw this on LLB! Really enjoyed the interview and this tote is exactly my lil sis’ style! Hope I win for her!
I did the following!
1. Followed Nina on the Moon
2. Liked Nina on the Moon Facebook
3. Liked Haut Totes Facebook
4. Followed @HautTotes
Vickye29 at gmail.com
@DocSabia
https://www.kindnessandkisses.com
I hope this is international -it would be so cool to have one of her totes!
I follow Nina on the Moon: GFC- Lulu
I like Nina on the Moon Facebook: Olesia Flegka
I like Haut Totes Facebook: Olesia Flegka
I follow@HautTotes: @LuluFleg
I sent follower request to @ninaonthemoon: @LuluFleg
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/LuluFleg/status/124060533363179522
[email protected]
I follow on GFC, Liked both FB pages BellaVida Letty and on twitter @BellaVidaLetty.
The bag is gorgeous!
I did it too
1. Follow Nina on the Moon as meki
2. Like Nina on the Moon Facebook
3. Like Haut Totes Facebook
4. Follow@HautTotes
Now I will go in for a more detailed look
And i love the bag!!
Fabulous!
I am so insanely jealous of her studio!
I am now following this blog + like on FB + like Haut totes on Fb.
I was already a Haut tote twitter follower.
I followed on GFC, FB, Haut totes on twitter and FB too!
I follow you on twitter now( :
Hi hun!
gfc: Burcin
email: burcin.cevik.bir at gmail dot com
fb name: Burcin
twitter name: Burcidi
Also following you on twitter!
I did all of the mandatory entries
(JillHogan on GFC; jill.hogan on Facebook; @jill_hogan on twitter)
I sent a request to follow @ninaonthemoon on twitter
@jill_hogan
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/Jill_Hogan/status/124962298078048257
I commented on her Facebook page as jill.hogan about the Goth Steampunk girl tote.
I did the first three but don’t have a Twitter account :-/
GFC: deb_oro
FB: Despina Vnt
I hope my entry is valid. Amazing presentation, thank you…
DESPINA
[email protected]
OK, I did the first 4 for one entry…thank you for stopping by my little pink blog…Pinkim
I sent you a follow request on twitter for another entry…
GFC #574
FB like Haut Totes #3128
Already following HautTotes, sent a Twitter request from @AlliesAdornment
1. Followed Nina on the Moon -GFC: kindy sohkhlet newmai
2. Liked Nina on the Moon Facebook-kindy sohkhlet newmai
3. Liked Haut Totes Facebook-
4. Followed @HautTotes-@thatskindy
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
sent you a follow request on twitter:@thatskindy
commented on HauteTotes facebook page.
tweet:https://twitter.com/#!/thatskindy/status/125055396112113665
thanks!
-I’m a gfc follower of yours (luckycldh)
-I follow HautTotes on twitter (@cerenaleigh)
-I like HautTotes on FB (Cerena Hammond)
-I like NinaontheMoon on FB (Cerena Hammond)
Cerena Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com
-I follow you on GFC: Dominique
-I like you on FB: Nikki Marie
-I like HautTotes on FB: Nikki Marie
-I follow HautTotes on Twitter: @laylees
couponcookie at gmail dot com
I sent a follow request to you on Twitter: @laylees
couponcookie at gmail dot com
Enter me please! I love the giveaway!
1. Follow Nina on the Moon (gfc is fisiwoman)
2. Like Nina on the Moon Facebook (Ana Belén R M)
3. Like Haut Totes Facebook
4. Follow@HautTotes (@Fisigiawa).
Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain
I sent a follow request to you on Twitter (@Fisigiawa)
Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/Fisigiawa/status/125152090434711552
Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain
Commented on her FB too.
Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain
Left a comment via FB: Nikki Marie
https://www.facebook.com/HautTotes?ref=ts#!/HautTotes/posts/10150329367101485
couponcookie at gmail dot com
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/#!/laylees/status/125153885814927360
couponcookie at gmail dot com
I’m a follower of your blog, I also like you and HautTotes on fb with the name Simona Floroaia. I follow @HautTotes on twitter with LaBohemeFille.
[email protected]
I follow @Ninaonthemoon on twitter.
i let Melissa know what my favorite tote is on her fb page with the name Simona Floroaia.
hi…I follow you..
GFC name: Jenny
[email protected]
I have liked Nina on the Moon Facebook
Name: My dreams and my reality
[email protected]
I have like Haut Totes Facebook
Name: My dreams and my reality
[email protected]
I follow@HautTotes
Name: Jennilicious
[email protected]
I follow @Ninaonthemoon
Name: Jennilicious
[email protected]
I have been tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/Jennilicious2/status/125212677919354880
[email protected]
I have comment her:
https://www.facebook.com/HautTotes/posts/10150329533146485
[email protected]
hi
thank u for inviting me ^^
1. Follow Nina on the Moon (GFC amz88)
2. Like Nina on the Moon Facebook (aimee kheer)
3. Like Haut Totes Facebook (aimee kheer)
4. Follow@HautTotes (AmzDragonSlayer)
Extra entries (1 each)
2. Follow @Ninaonthemoon (AmzDragonSlayer)
3. Tweet about the giveaway, and mention @ninaonthemoon and @haut totes (AmzDragonSlayer)
4. Let Melissa know which is your favorite tote by leaving a comment on her facebook (aimee kheer)
thank u muchie
completed all 4 mandatory entries
FB: Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard
GFC: Brenda Witherspoon
Twitter: @BeeWBedard
brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com
Following @Ninaonthemoon
brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com
Let Melissa know which is my favorite tote by leaving a comment on her facebook
brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com
I follow Nina on the Moon on GFC (same name)
I like Nina on the Moon on facebook (same name)
I like Haut Totes on facebook (same name)
I follow Haut Totes on twitter as zaira_faith
megnate at telus dot net
1. Follow Nina on the Moon as Yto
2. Like Nina on the Moon Facebook as Elena Vogel
3. Like Haut Totes Facebook as Elena Vogel
4. Follow@HautTotes as Yto77
witchvela at web dot de
thanks for the giveaway ^^
i Follow @Ninaonthemoon as Yto77
witchvela at web dot de
tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/Yto77/status/126394744753496064
witchvela at web dot de
GFC: Oana
Like Nina on the Moon Facebook: Oana Catalina
Like Haut Totes Facebook: Oana Catalina
Follow@HautTotes: @kittyqtza
oana [dot] catalyna [at] yahoo [dot] com
Twitter follower of you: @kittyqtza
oana [dot] catalyna [at] yahoo [dot] com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/kittyqtza/status/126550942643527680
oana [dot] catalyna [at] yahoo [dot] com
I did the following!
1. Follow Nina on the Moon as meki
2. Like Nina on the Moon Facebook
3. Like Haut Totes Facebook
4. Follow@HautTotes
my email: [email protected]
and I wish luck to all
1. Follow Nina on the Moon via GFC: Itin
2. Like Nina on the Moon Facebook: Itin Bique Calvo
3. Like Haut Totes Facebook: Itin Bique Calvo
4. Follow@HautTotes on twitter: @itinbiquecalvo
extra…
Follow @Ninaonthemoon on twitter: @itinbiquecalvo
Tweeted about the giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/itinbiquecalvo/status/128037588144631808
Favorite tote: https://www.facebook.com/HautTotes/posts/10150338591971485
email: [email protected]
GFC follower: ksyshenka
I like you on FB: Oksana Vadimirovna
I Like Haut Totes Facebook and sent regards from you:
https://www.facebook.com/HautTotes/posts/10150346293781485
Following @HautTotes on Twitter! (@oksana2372)
Thank you for the chance!
ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com
Following you on Twitter! (@oksana2372)
ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/#!/oksana2372/status/130591581827891200
(@oksana2372)
ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com
I let Melissa know which is my favorite tote by leaving a comment on her facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/HautTotes/posts/10150346302361485
(oksana vladimirovna)
ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com
I did it!
Followed(AdelpheBre), liked Nina on the Moon and Haut Totes on FB (Breonna Roberts), & followed @ HautTotes (@AdelpheBre). Whew!
Following @ninaonthemoon too! (@AdelpheBre)
Left a FB comment for Melissa. This is my fave: https://www.etsy.com/listing/51480624/empress-garden-golden-peacock-tote-bag
Hi, I’m joining
1. Follow Nina on the Moon via GFC as Christina De Castro
2. Like Nina on the Moon Facebook as Teng De Castro
3. Like Haut Totes Facebook as Teng De Castro
4. Follow@HautTotes as @tinay0723
Extra entries (1 each)
1. Blog about here: https://wannabesupermommy.blogspot.com/2011/11/haut-totes.html
at FB here: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=134631043309146&id=230544870294275
2. Follow @Ninaonthemoon as @tinay0723
3. Tweet about the giveaway and mentioned @ninaonthemoon and @haut totes here:
https://twitter.com/#!/tinay0723/status/132746387501748224
4. Let Melissa know my favorite tote on her facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/HautTotes/posts/10150353063696485
Great giveaway, I am following Nina on the Moon and I liked her on facebook.
Thanks
Sue
[email protected]
I did all 4 for the first entry
FB Lubka Kotmanikova
twitter, GFC Lubaska
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com
I follow you on twitter (Lubaska)
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/Lubaska/status/133073038416687104
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com
I shared my fav tote on her FB page: https://www.facebook.com/HautTotes/posts/10150354014626485
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com
1. I Follow Nina on the Moon – Cynthia Richardson
2. I Like Nina on the Moon Facebook – Cynthia M Richardson
3. I Like Haut Totes Facebook – Cynthia M Richardzon
4. I Follow@HautTotes @hofken
[email protected]
I Follow @Ninaonthemoon @hofken
[email protected]
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/hofken/status/133263244579176448
[email protected]
Left comment
https://www.facebook.com/HautTotes/posts/10150354577586485
[email protected]
I am following your page as Marina D., I liked both pages on facebook as Marina M.B. and I am following on twitter as isollea
isollea at gmail dot com
I am also following you on a twitter as an extra entry
isollea at gmail dot com
Did all 4 (my name is Armada Volya on both FB and Twitter)
[email protected]
following you on twitter
left a post on Melisa’s FB page
1. Followed Nina on the Moon GFC: Jeny Gangan
2. Like Nina on the Moon Facebook: Jeniffer Gangan
3. Like Haut Totes Facebook
4. Follow @HautTotes : JenyOnDBlock
5. Followed @Ninaonthemoon
6. Tweeted about the giveaway : https://twitter.com/#!/JenyOnDBlock/status/133974880818434048
7. Let Melissa know which is my favorite tote by leaving a comment on her facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HautTotes/posts/10150356793361485
Hi! I am already a loyal follower of Nina on the Moon.
I liked Nina on the Moon and Haut Totes on Facebook under Morgan Taggart. I am also following HautTotes on Twitter under @MorganTaggart. My email is mtaggart4852 (at) gmail (dot) com!
I’m following Nina on the Moon on Twitter under @MorganTaggart. My email is mtaggart4852 (at) gmail (dot) com!
I wrote on HautTotes wall telling her my favorite item.
My email is mtaggart4852 (at) gmail (dot) com!