Expat Entrepreneurs: Kasia from Kasia Dietz Handbags

In this series, I feature expats who started their own business abroad. From food to fashion, art to tourism — these women had the guts and confidence to pursue their passions and turn it into something bigger. Check out previous interviews here.

Today’s interview comes from Kasia Dietz, one of the very first people I met when I moved to Paris. She has an almost fairytale-esque story: New Yorker meets Italian on the streets of NYC, moves to Paris, marries the Italian, starts her own handbag collection. Who does that, right? Well, Kasia does! So I’ve asked her to share more on her story and her experience starting a business overseas.

Hi Kasia! Tell us a little about yourself and your life before Paris. 

I grew up bi-culturally in the Hamptons (with a Polish mother and American father). I consider myself a vrai New Yorker, having lived in Manhattan for 12 years, working as a Print Producer in advertising, with various creative outlets to always keep me inspired.

Since a very young age I’ve loved to travel, spending many summers in Poland, and somehow knew my life would be an adventure. In 2007 I lived this adventure by traveling the world (32 countries in 13 months).

Why did you move to Paris?

One day in NYC on my way to yoga, I ran into a handsome Italian. Five months later I moved to Paris. The rest is being written.

What was the hardest part about moving to Paris?

I was so used to being in a city that was diverse, dynamic and quite literally where “anything was possible”. Everyone feels like they belong in NYC, regardless of where you come from and who you are. This was “normal” to me. In Paris it’s much harder to fit in as a foreigner with the language and cultural barriers, the pace of life is much slower, not to mention often being told “c’est pas possible”. Thankfully I’m a stubborn New Yorker!

Tell us a little bit about your company. Why designer handbags?

I’ve always had the idea of designing wearable art, something that can hang upon the arm like a painting upon the wall. And that can be collected rather than adored one moment and tossed aside the next, like much of fashion. I also noticed a gap in the market for stylish and sustainable non-leather totes, considering the trend in eco-friendly fashion.

Thus I began designing and painting canvas totes, using various prints designed by my mom in the 70’s mixed with my love of minimalist design. My collections quickly expanded to include larger totes, clutches and purses.

All of my bags and totes are reversible to give them a more playful and versatile element. My tote collections are designed in limited edition fabrics, inspired by art and travel, and my hand-painted handbags are designed in themes including Paris and NY, both cities close to my heart.

What was your biggest fear in starting your company, and how did you overcome that?

Looking back, I didn’t think much about any obstacles that could make it difficult to set up a business in France. Maybe for the best! Perhaps my greatest fear aside from the language barrier was having zero contacts in the industry. Little did I know how hard it would be to find a local manufacturer!

Oh really? So how did you find one in the end?

I finally found my manufacturer by asking a fabric supplier if he knew any local manufacturers, and voilà! I’ve been working with this small Paris-based company ever since.

What surprises, either positive or negative, have you encountered in running your company?

I’ve come to understand that most Parisians are not so keen on purchasing products they don’t know much about. Brand names play a big role in French shopping habits. Not to mention the French are very selective shoppers. On the flip side, accessories are a big market in Paris, and the more my brand grows, the more my bags are making their way onto the arms of stylish Parisians.

What’s the best part about what you do?

I value how much my business has taught me, both about what I am capable of, and the French culture. Also, the art of designing leads me on constant adventures. Often by accident I find my fabrics, and in the oddest of places such as hidden basements in the Sentier.

My hand-painted bags are personal expressions of what I find unique about a city and its neighborhoods. My bag painting workshops allow others to explore this creativity, and behind each of these bags lies a wonderful story!

What’s the hardest part?

Doing it all solo! I’m constantly juggling the designing, manufacturing, marketing, PR, social media…. never sure where to put my attention.

How has becoming an entrepreneur improved or impacted your expat experience?

I’ve met many fellow entrepreneurs and expats since starting my business, as well as many lovely clients from around the world, some of whom I keep in touch with. Being so personally involved has its advantages!

What advice would you give for future entrepreneurs in Paris or abroad?

Stay true to your vision, be patient and don’t give up.

Kasia Dietz is a handbag designer and freelance writer from New York, with a passion for art, fashion and travel, who followed her heart to Paris. She resides in the North Marais where she has been featured as a local designer by Lonely Planet and KLM’s iFly Magazine. Kasia Dietz handbags are available online and sold at fashionable boutiques around the world. Kasia also gives bag painting workshops and custom fashion tours.

You can read about her life and travels on her blog, and follow her on twitter, instagram, and facebook.