Our Story

   
I work with one of the three loves of my life. My daughter, Riley. Every day we get to collaborate on everything from design concepts, to fabrics, thread colors, suppliers, and most importantly - lunch!! Every day we get to discover how to blaze a trail for ourselves, whether things are going our way or whether they aren't. 

Riley and my goal was to create bags that span many different generations and styles, using the finest fabrics, linens and leathers, to create gorgeous and memorable bags with the strength and grace that will last years and years. 

But also, and maybe just as important or even more importantly, there is a mosaic piece here about motherhood, daughterhood and entrepreneurship. Each of these elements have their joys and trials. Motherhood, daughterhood and entrepreneurship are all a winding and hopefully deep process where one learns to exalt in the joys and eagerly continue to reach beyond setbacks, miscommunications, arguments, bottom lines, etc. 

As a mother, a daughter or an entrepreneur, we all have to have the courage to get over the bumps, to stay open, to listen and to grow. Indeed, the root of the word "courage" comes from the latin word cor, meaning heart. 

In the words of Brene Brown's Daring Greatly, "Vulnerability is not weakness, and the uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure we face every day are not optional. Our only choice is a question of engagement. Our willingness to own and engage with our vulnerability determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose." 
Riley and I truly hope that you love your new bag, as much as we loved making it. 
Welcome to Lavender and Canvas. 
Love,
            
Jesse & Riley
Jesse is an endlessly creative and wildly imaginative entrepreneur who, among other endeavors, helped start the first bakery at Homeboy Industries, has run two of California's top equine facilities as well as opened and managed several popular LA restaurants. On top of it all, she's a mom of three!! Riley's background is in nonprofit development and fundraising for environmental organizations. After several years in the nonprofit sector, Riley is now turning her talents as an organizer and logistics expert, as well as her eye for design, towards building her own company, Lavender and Canvas.