Sari Sari Story

Aanyoung and team, congrats on the launch! What first sparked the idea to make bags and accessories from recycled saris?

Can you tell us a bit more about a sari?

Why did you choose to work with vintage pieces?

Well, sustainability is a big part of Doing Goods – we became B-Corp certified beginning of 2025, so the re-use of textiles totally fits our goals.

And old fabrics, they ooze charm and story.. Saris are often passed down through families , making them a meaningful part of culture and tradition.  So all the moments that matter in life, love, dance and even cheeky smiles… it’s all captured in these fabrics.

Can you give us a quick peek into the process — how a sari turns into one of these gorgeous bags?

So, the old saris are collected, washed, ironed and brought in, in big batches.

Then our work starts, its not as romantic as it might sound, you really have to love fabrics to do this. We basically sit down on a low wooden stool in their workshop and we start to go through, litterally thousands of saris. We select the ones we like and we move onto the next batch and we do this for hours, sometimes even days.

There are moments that I think; What on earth are we doing? I’m normally a very efficient person, and I want to use my time sensibly, but with fabrics I let go of all my principles.

Why?! because you keep flipping the saris and you wait for the moment you see a sari pattern or color combination that makes your heart stop and jump for joy. And then it makes you want more of that haha.

How is the collection build up?

The SariSari collection consists out of different models varying from big, carry-all tote bags to travel pouches , to cute mini bags, perfect for a date night.

We wanted something for every budget and a SariSari to join you on every occasion.

How do you make sure this new line still feels totally Doing Goods?

That goes completely naturally. When we go through all  of the saris, we don’t overthink. We just take out the patterns we like and the saris that speak to us.

I believe that today, interior accessories, bags, and gifts all blend seamlessly together. Our clients connect with us because of what the brand represents—our community, our values, and our spirit. Whether it’s a candleholder, a rug, or a bag, the same feeling shines through.

We always follow our heart and intuition,and then everything naturally falls into place.

Recycled saris can be full of surprises — how do you turn those little quirks or imperfections into something beautiful?

Doing Goods is all about Wabi-Sabi. We celebrate the imperfection. To us these bags are perfectly imperfect and exactly how they should be.

Look, the world is flooded with bags, but SariSari bags come with a story and heritage, thus imperfections. It makes each piece a true one- of- a kind!

What do you hope people feel when they carry one of these pieces?

For many women, wearing a sari is a way to feel connected to their family and culture. It is worn during life’s most important moments, like a wedding or festival and carried with pride and grace… So I would say, keep this magic going.

What’s the weirdest or most unexpected thing you’ve ever found in your own bag?

My 4 year old daughter is a first class treasure hunter and hoarder. She secretely stuffs my bag with anything that goes from glittery trinkets , autumn leafs  to chunks of play-dough.

I have found My Little Pony families in my work bag, yes.

And finally — what’s your biggest hope for what people take away from Doing Goods, whether it’s a rug, a brass item, or now, a sari bag?

I started this brand creating products I loved and that made me smile. Products that I would be proud and happy to use myself. Now, years later, I still feel that way.

What makes me happiest is hearing how much joy our products bring to people. Whether it’s the cheerful leopard rug hat brightens someone’s home or a small brass item that’s gifted as token of encouragement to someone who needed it most.

 With these SariSari bags, its no different.