Brands We Like: Angela & Roi [Interview]

                                 

Angela & Roi is a brand with a purpose. Handbag designers Angela and Roi Lee started A&R in order to merge classic, minimalist design style with philanthropy. They encourage you to "donate by color," with $5 from each sale going to one of eleven charities.  For example, a pink item supports breast cancer, red for HIV/ AIDS, and white for lung cancer.

Each handbag is made from high-quality vegan leather and durable fabrics and comes with a 100 day warranty.  Their bags are clean, with sleek designs and definitely look high end (I love it.) You can find all of the lovely bags from A&R at www.angelaroi.com.

Check out our exclusive interview with Chief Fashion Officer and Co-Founder: Angela, of Angela & Roi below:

How did you get started in the fashion industry?

Roi has always been a businessman, he found me and saw a future in the fashion industry with me. He saw my love for fashion, and as he loves me, he found a way to intertwine our passions. Growing up, my mother molded my interest in fashion, she bought me the best quality and most beautifully crafted handbags, and styled my outfits with impeccable taste; she showed me a whole new world. As I grew older, and independent of my parents, I learned the truth behind fashion. It was too expensive for me as a college student to buy these handbags I grew up with; I could no longer afford those high quality bags. I quickly realized no one sold quality bags with classic design for an affordable price. Why can’t luxury be affordable?

What has been the most fulfilling part of starting Angela & Roi?

I cannot emphasize enough how much I love our team. Each team member has their quirks, no more or less than the others, but enough to make us love each other for who we are. We focus on each person’s strengths and let them take the reins when necessary. We research, present, and discuss every question we come across, and we require a unanimous vote to move forward. This family structure does not only include us, but it includes our customers. We spend endless efforts to satisfy our customers and make sure they want to stay a part of the Angela&Roi family. Let’s just say we want to spread the love—just as "We're not only animal friendly, we are people friendly!"

Sunday Tote 

Though all of your bags are wonderful, do you have a favorite?

It’s like asking which child you love more, can you really answer such a question! I love each of the A&R handbags equally. Each has its own aesthetic bringing timeless beauty to women with classic design, a modern touch, and trendy colors. With Angela & Roi, expensive does not mean classy.

What makes an Angela & Roi bag different from other handbags?

Our Donate By Color mission was created because #1 I [Angela] love fashion and the impact of a pop of color, #2 my family has supported a child in need since I was a little girl, and #3 Roi’s father dealt with multiple health issues as Roi was growing up. His father always told him "If you lose your health--you can't always recover; you can have everything back except your health." Long story short, the 2 of us combined were destined to make a difference and create a huge movement that combines everything they love and want to change in the world. We are a power couple no doubt, fostering a very powerful brand.

Square Tote

So you're going on a job interview, which of your handbags would you wear to make the best first impression?

Each A&R handbag has its own aesthetic bringing timeless beauty to women with classic design, a modern touch, and trendy colors. The Square Tote is ideal for an interview, as it is the equivalent of a man’s briefcase; it represents an empowered woman prepared to take on any challenge.

Do you have any advice for people interested in starting their own line of handbags or apparel?

Make sure to set your own strong philosophy before you go into the industry. There are a number of factors that will make you doubt your decisions, business model and other important values. However, if you have a strong philosophy and guidelines, it will lead you in the right direction.