Aye Mija started as a one-time experiment between my mom and me.

I wanted a colorful tote bag I could throw everything in and take to the beach. We didn’t realize how gigantic it would be until it was fully assembled, but it turned out to be the most useful accessory ever, especially for an over-packer like myself. Friends started asking for their own, and before we knew it, we were sewing more and more together.

In a market flooded with sameness, Aye Mija is my way of celebrating uniqueness and self-expression. Each bag is hand-made by us using repurposed and scrap fabrics, playful details, and a little experimentation along the way. No two are alike. They’re meant to bring beauty to everyday essentials, because getting dressed, packing your bag, and heading out into the world should feel special.

The name Aye Mija is inspired by my grandmother Isaura, a talented seamstress who spent over 70 years sewing for her community. From wedding dresses to tailored clothing (even my Halloween costumes) she used her craft as a way to care for people.

“Mija,” a blend of mi (my) and hija (daughter), is a phrase that doesn’t translate directly. In Mexico, it carries love, pride, and a gentle curiosity, like someone asking what could you possibly be up to now. When my mom and I sit down to sew, we think of Isaura’s hands, her skill, and the way she made something meaningful for anyone who came knocking at her door. I like to imagine how proud she’d be that we learned to sew ourselves… though if we told her we were selling bags, I can hear her saying,
Aye, mija!