Beaded Bags: A Blast from the 90s or a New Trend? An Interview with the Creator

Beaded Bags: A Blast from the 90s or a New Trend?

“Back to the 90s!” This slogan has taken the fashion world by storm with the re-emergence of beaded bags. “Onward to creativity!” said Maria Barkhatova to herself as she left her logistics career behind to craft beaded bags. Today, she is the proud owner of her brand, Barkhatova.

The Resurgence of Beaded Bags

Beaded bags have found new life, and it’s no coincidence. These woven accessories are tied to the boho style and its “hippie” variation, which are currently popular among some fashion enthusiasts. The functionality, beauty, and originality of these bags attract everyone. But how easy is it to create beaded bags, and how in-demand will they be? Let’s find out from Maria.

An Interview with Maria Barkhatova

Maria, how long have you been creating beaded bags?

“A little over a year. When I first started, I never imagined that I would want to create my own brand and take this activity so seriously. Now, I create about 10-15 bags and 20-30 cup holders for glasses each month (which have recently become fashionable). I’m even looking for an assistant because I physically can’t keep up with all the orders.”

Challenges and Support

Were there any difficulties when transitioning to your new profession?

“Definitely, there were! At first, there was euphoria. But then reality hit. In the beginning, my hands weren’t skilled enough, and I didn’t know many tricks. It was challenging to develop social media, which is essential in today’s world. Doubts crept in about whether I should continue. I thought a lot and studied the market. But I decided to take the risk because I always wanted to engage in a creative activity that brings joy.”

How did your loved ones react to your career change?

“I started doing this as a hobby. I’ve always had many different activities, so my loved ones were already used to my creative impulses. When they realized I was serious, they supported me.”

Memorable Creations

Tell us about your most memorable pieces: your first, your favorite, and the most popular.

“Looking back, my first work wasn’t very good. But at that moment, I was over the moon and wanted to create more and more. I love all my works, but my favorite model is the crystal beaded bag with feathers. I made it for myself and to expand my collection, putting in the most energy and inspiration. Considering that the feathers are removable, it becomes versatile, which increases its demand. The models made from velvet beads are the most popular. In my opinion, they look more expensive, and such bags are suitable not only for special events but also for everyday use.”

The Creative Process

Can you tell us about the process of creating beaded bags? How long does it take, and what challenges do you face?

“It all depends on the model, the size of the item, and the beads. On average, a bag takes about 3 to 7 days, including sewing the lining, dust bag, and all the packaging. The main difficulty is cutting my fingers with the fishing line. But protection helps with that. Fortunately, I’ve never had any mishaps with the items themselves: the line never broke, and the work never fell apart. There was a challenge with bead suppliers. Before finding the best quality, I had to eliminate many options.”

The Demand for Beaded Accessories

Is the weaving of beaded accessories in demand?

“When I first started thinking about creating a brand, it seemed that it was relevant to only a few. But after reaching a wider audience, it became clear that there is a buyer for every product, as long as the quality is top-notch. And we shouldn’t overlook the fact that beaded bags are now gaining popularity among famous foreign brands, and soon every fashionista will want one.”

Inspiration and Advice

Where do you get your ideas for creating beaded bags?

“I draw inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram. Based on that, I come up with something unique for my collections. Often, customers come with specific requests: most often, they ask for a different color or size. And sometimes they suggest original, interesting ideas that I also enjoy implementing.”

What advice can you give to those who want to start creating beaded items?

“Just do it! If you truly want something, there are no obstacles; they only exist in your mind.”