The Story Behind Olán | Handmade Colombian Bags

It all started with a gift.

My Colombian sister-in-law, Rossmery, brought me back a handmade bag from her recent trip to Colombia — in my favorite color, royal blue. She explained that it was handwoven by Indigenous women using traditional techniques passed down through generations. It wasn’t just a beautiful accessory — it was a piece of cultural heritage and a source of livelihood for the artisans behind it.

Each detail told a story: the colors, the patterns, the craftsmanship. Their weaving is more than just art — it’s legacy.

When I began wearing the bag, I was immediately struck by its quality. It was lightweight, stylish, and incredibly sturdy — no frayed straps or loose stitching. It stood out from the fast fashion bags I used to buy, which would fall apart and push me into that cycle of buying replacements again and again.

That’s when I made a shift: I promised myself I’d invest in quality over convenience. This bag changed how I thought about fashion — and it completely exceeded my expectations.
What began as a thoughtful gift quickly became one of my favorite pieces — for its beauty, meaning, and the compliments it brought.

 Everywhere I went, people would ask:
 "Where is that bag from?"
 "How was it made?"
 "Do you sell them?"

That’s when something clicked.

Rossmery and I realized we didn’t just want to wear these bags — we wanted to share their story. We wanted to honor the artistry, heritage, and resilience that Latina women and Indigenous artisans pour into every thread.

And so, we started OLÁN — a brand rooted in sisterhood, built on tradition, and powered by a deep love for intentional design. A way to bring the beauty of Colombian craftsmanship to the world — and to give back to the women who keep this incredible art alive.

This is how Olán began:
 With one bag.
 One story.

And a shared purpose.