These bags by nest PURE are so darling and chic, we can't pick a favorite! Samantha Cobos crafts each bag by hand with a focus on natural and organic materials. Her custom designed fabrics are a blend of boho and minimalistic, using patterns that fuse free-spirited florals with simple geometrics. I think it's safe to say we are totally smitten!
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Samantha Cobos. I first fell in love with textiles as an interior designer. I was lucky to stumble upon my true passion, which ultimately led me to launch nest PURE in 2014. I taught myself textile design and the art of sewing through pure determination and hard work. I find great satisfaction in handcrafting every aspect, including designing the patterns on our fabrics and meticulously sewing each and every one of our beautiful products. All my patterned fabrics are designed in-house, and I maintain a strong focus on natural and organic materials. I handcraft high quality, functional bags and accessories, which are visually beautiful, modern, and eco-friendly. In other words, modern meets sustainability meets everyday function!
What do you love most about craft show vending?
I really love meeting people and showing them my products! Connecting with people and educating them about how sustainable and environmentally friendly my products are makes me happy. Sharing my love of design, including color, pattern, and various materials, makes people smile and share in my joy. I find it much easier to sell my products in person because people can meet me and touch and experience my products!
How did you get started in your business?
As an interior designer, I fell in LOVE with fabric. In 2008, I started designing fabric and rug patterns and over time I had a bunch of fabric samples that I created. They were just stored…One day in 2014, I decided to make a tote bag from some of my fabric samples. This first bag took me 6 hours to make! I was determined to make my own bags and become efficient at sewing. Today, I have the ability to not only sew efficiently but to design my own bag patterns and build on my ever-growing skills! I split my time between sewing and designing pattern fabric and I couldn’t be happier.
What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
I have a strong focus on organic and natural materials. All my fabrics are designed by me and printed directly on fabric. My fabrics are not available anywhere else! Most of my fabrics are printed on organic cotton duct and all my bag linings are organic cotton twill. Currently I’m pairing my fabrics with natural cork which I source directly from Portugal. Cork is a wonderful, strong, sustainable fabric that is a great alternative to leather. My products are very visually appealing due to the colors, patterns, and materials—people always stop to ask questions and I really enjoy telling them all about my products!
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
My interior design business was named “PURE Inspired Design” and I focused on eco-friendly design. When I was thinking of a name for my new business I wanted to keep PURE in the name. Another factor was making sure the website was available. Finally, I came up with nest PURE. The “nest” means home and all that surrounds us and “PURE” means clean, toxic free, environmentally friendly. I think nest PURE fits my products and me perfectly!
Check out more of Samantha's beautiful work online, and be sure to stop by her booth at the Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo, November 3-5, 2017 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!