Meet Julissa Lewis | Handbag Designer & Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julissa Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julissa, what matters most to you?
I have two core values that are equally important, to me, and really go hand in hand. Patience and forgiveness. Both of these values are honestly hard to practice, for anyone. However, both of these values will honestly bring you peace, and that will translate to every aspect of you and your life. Be patient and forgiving with all, including enemies and yourself. “Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against you, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other.” Colossians 3: 12-13

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a business owner but consider myself to be more an artist and creator than anything. Creating is just who I am and love to do it, not just with handbags, but literally anything else I can get my hands on and do myself! There is so much joy in seeing something come together with your own hands. I believe that joy I feel from creating is what keeps me wanting to do more and keeps my business growing. That joy allows me to express, without fear of judgement from others and translates into my business.

I did not know this is what I really wanted to do, from the start. I started off with getting a degree in Anthropology from ASU, and had planned to purse a medical degree. After a lot of thinking, sitting, reflecting, and some more sitting, I had slightly changed course and though a Master’s in Public Health was more so my thing. One thing that truly intrigues me are infectious diseases and that, at one time, was something I really wanted to pursue. So, I applied to the MA program of Public Health, at UofA, was ready, and was rejected. I was so confused, to be honest, as I thought I had it all squared away to be accepted and start my career. But, in all honesty, I think me being rejected was God’s way of telling me no, this is not the direction you need to go. Sometimes God will let you experience things, and other times he will put a hard stop. Well, this was a hard stop for me. So, I put all my energy into my handbag business, which I still feel has such a long way to go, but I am gratefully taking in every step, until I get there.

One aspect of my business that I take pride in is my effort to be more sustainable. I really do my best to ensure every part of my business is doing something positive for this planet. I am a leather handbag designer so all the leather I use is vegetable tanned, upcyled, or recycled. If I choose to line my handbags I use 100% linen, I do my best to use every little piece of fabric or leather I purchase, I just use it in a new design. I also do my best to use sustainable packaging, from recycled materials or packaging that is biodegradable.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have a few best friends, yes a few and that’s ok, but they all are al little different. Thankfully they all have some things in common; which are, they all like to do outdoor things, they all like too dance, and they all get along well. So, with that, we definitely would have to hit spots where there is music going. It can be chill or it can be upbeat, just something we can move too. As far as outdoors, visiting Sedona is always a must. From the beauty to the slightly cooler weather, to food, shopping, and wine (which I don’t drink but my people do), Sedona is a great weekend getaway. Last, my favorite spot to eat is Cien Agaves in Old Town Scottsdale. Ceviche is on point. The cheese enchiladas are amazing, and the Mango Tango margarita is amazing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people I want to give my thanks to. I will always start with God, as I can honestly say none of this is possible without Him. Secondly, my daughter Phoenix (who is only 4, by the way) who literally cheers me on, tells everyone we meet, “my mommy makes handbags,” and gets excited about my business as much as I do. Thank you to my better half, Justin Titus, who supports me emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and financially, in my business, and life! Thank you to two of my best friends, Timoni Joseph, and Alyssa Gray who have supported me with time and financial investment! Y’all are literally the best! Thank you to my long time friend Kenton Ayohsak, who is always down to take some photos for me and never charges me a thing! Lastly, thank you to literally every person who I know and don’t know, that has supported my business in any way, from purchases to shoutouts! I am truly grateful to all of you!.

Website: www.j-christine.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jchristinehandbags

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/J.ChristineHandbags

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXQJ4yfi1rEsiV4ZuBiTTug

Other: Pinterest: www.Pinterest.com/jchristinehandbags
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JChristineHandbags?ref=shop_sugg info@j-christine.com