Meet Tressa Walker | Handbag Designer and Owner

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

Hi Tressa, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
My business idea was 20+ years in the making. After graduating from High School I attended a fashion college but back then I was not encouraged to pursue a career in fashion, so I transfer to an University where I obtained my Bachelors Degree in Communications but my love for handbags and fashion never went away. I have had a love for handbags as a child and would save up my money to buy high quality handbags when in middle/high school so after I finished college I started sketching handbags and trying to make them by hand which was unsuccessful. At that time I didn’t know what to do so like many others who had aspirations or dreams but didn’t know how to execute it, I packed up my sketches and got busy into my career. I wasn’t until I moved after the pandemic that I found my old sketches and decided that I would do the research and start my own handbag line that was focused two of the things I loved the most, my friendships and handbags. My handbag line is my middle name Ahisa, named by my mothers best friend Bettye. Even 20 years ago I knew that my handbags would be my middle name but what is funny the first initial sketches I changed the spelling of my name since it was so different cause I thought it would be confusing to people, but this time I said no Im going to use the correct spelling and I used my first sketch as a inspiration for the first design in my inaugural collection, Bettye’s Bucket Bag.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
While I am inspired and encouraged by emerging luxury brands like Brandon Blackwood and Telfar, Ahisa has some distinctive features that set it apart from common luxury bag brands. First, Ahisa was created to merge my love for handbags and friendship. We believe that the luxury handbag space is missing something: inspiration. I’ve created this line of handbags inspired by the beauty and magic of friendship, with the goal of changing how people view this industry. I want our bags to inspire you to pull them out when you need a boost, whether that means cheering up a friend in need or helping yourself feel confident and ready for anything on date night with your significant other. It is my goal not just sell handbags— I want give something more than that: purpose. I want everyone who owns one of my bags to feel like they have their very own personal cheerleader in their pocket or purse, ready to help them face whatever life throws at them.

Inspired by the love of handbags and friendship, I want the Ahisa brand to spread the magic of friendship and community through its handbags. Also I aim to contribute to the handbag space by offering bag enthusiasts a taste of something different—a unique experience. An experience that speaks when you walk into a room with an Ahisa Bag, a message that shows the person that is carrying the Ahisa brand is inviting, inclusive and loved.

How I got to where I am today is first by faith and surrounding myself around other strong like minded business people. I read lots of books that are helping me learn more about business and how to balance self care and the mental exhaustion that comes from building a brand/business. It is not easy to say the least but having a vision and understanding the lives it will impact once it all comes together makes those tough days worth it. I would love to say that I have conquered all of the challenges in business but that is not reality, as a business owner there are challenges that you will face at each stage, but what I can say that I’m doing my best each day to make sure I do not give up because I believe so much in what Ahisa Bags has to offer plus I have a sketch book full of purses and accessories that the world has to see.

The main thing I would want people to know about me is that it is never too late, I know it is said a lot but really some ideas are delayed not denied. If you put in the work on yourself, be teachable and drown out the negative thoughts that tell you that you can’t and replace it with positive thoughts and attainable/measurable goals it can happen. Time is an illusion so don’t think that it will happen overnight, all of the truly successful brands/businesses go through a long process, longer than what we see when they “hit it big”, trust the process and be your own biggest cheerleader then surround yourself with people who are where you want to be, Make sure you have a mentor and team because you can not do this alone, and why would you?

The lessons I have learned have been through trial and error and boy have I made some errors but those have been some learning lessons that made me learn more about business and how to successfully run one. I have learned more about sustainable leathers for my bags because I wanted to be environmentally conscience while having a social impact so I had to learn about sourcing the right materials and what it means to design a handbag from scratch.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would make sure I showed my bestie a great time but she would have to work with me 4-5 days during the time she is visiting at my favorite gym Fearless Athletics in Mcdonough. Then I would go to get us some healthy drinks at the Nutrition on the Bridge. in Stockbridge after that we would go to an event at my co-working space The Bakery the largest co-working space catered to women entrepreneurs.

Explore Downtown Atlanta**
– Visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
– Explore the World of Coca-Cola and learn about the history of this iconic beverage.
– Have Happy Hour at STK
– Visit the Center for Civil and Human Rights

– Spend the morning shopping at Ponce City Market, Atlantic Station and local boutiques in the
– Have brunch at Breakfast at Barneys
– Visit the High Museum of Art to explore its collection of contemporary and classical art.
– Enjoy a fun dinner at Wylie and Rum

Day Trip to Stone Mountain
– Take a day trip to Stone Mountain Park.
– Hike to the top of Stone Mountain for stunning views of the surrounding area.
– Explore the park’s other attractions, such as the Skyride and the Geyser Towers.
– Have dinner in the City of Decatur at Leons Full Service

Relaxation and Pampering**
– Enjoy a spa day at Spa Sydell or Spaland
– Spend the afternoon at the rooftop of Epicurean where we would hang out by the pool

Outdoor/Movie Adventure**
– Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens.
– Have lunch at Salata and dessert at the Velvet Bar
– Spend the afternoon at Piedmont Park, where you can relax, rent bikes, or paddle boats.
– Enjoy a casual dinner at Colony Square food court then catch a Movie at IPIC also located at Colony Square

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My tribe of friends who I call my chosen family. Without them I would not have the courage or strength to do what I do on the daily basis.So as I reflect on the journey of starting my handbag business, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for each and every one in my tribe. Some of our bonds are over 30 years old, and I am continually inspired by the strength and depth of our relationships.

Their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me have been the cornerstone of my success. Whether it was lending a listening ear, offering valuable advice, or rolling up your sleeves to help with the nitty-gritty of the business, they have been there every step of the way and willing to share their wisdom and expertise. But it is also beyond the practical assistance, it’s the emotional support that has truly sustained me. In moments of doubt or uncertainty, they were there to lift me up and remind me of my capabilities. The faith my tribe has in me has never wavered, even when mine did.

Each of them has played a unique and irreplaceable role in this journey, and I am profoundly grateful for the love, encouragement, and support they all have shown me. My success is as much theirs as it is mine, and I am forever thankful and consider myself beyond blessed to have each and every one of them!

Website: ahisabags.com

Instagram: ahisa_brand

Image Credits
The Icing Agency