Meet Dominique Waters

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Waters.

Hi Dominique, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have a master’s degree in applied mathematics, and in 2014 I took a job as a math and engineering professor in Dubai. While living and working there, I got heavily involved in the fashion industry and learned how to refurbish vintage metal mosaic handbags. My passion and vision grew stronger every day, and I became certain that designing handbags were what I wanted to do. So in 2019, I founded Ziva Naseer, handmade luxury bags. At the time, I was only selling my products via Instagram and Facebook. I also only had about 2 custom designs and a few vintage designs. I gained popularity relatively quickly, and it was clear I needed a website to display my brand accurately. Now, 4 years later, I have 30 custom designs, and I sell my products through our website. We’re featured on Instagram and Facebook, selected as vendors to all the large art and jazz festivals in California, and have weekly pop-ups in several cities in the Bay Area.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a bit of a roller coaster. I am figuring out manufacturing, shipping, packaging, setting the right price point, and understanding my customer. Every day I learn something new about my business and myself as I solve new problems. But my saving grace has always been keeping the vision at the forefront. I aim to be the leading brand for well-made mosaic handbags, so every decision I’ve made so far has been toward that mission.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a designer, businesswoman, and craftsman; not only did I design the look for my bags, but I also custom-designed the shapes we use, the materials the bags are made from, the hardware, and the weight of each of my products. The most rewarding moment for me was when the other artisans I worked with thanked me for helping them make better products. I’m still a novice, but I enjoy problem-solving and finding new ways to create.

Any big plans?
Expansion, expansion, expansion! I’m working towards getting my bags into high-end boutiques in the Bay Area and luxury department stores on the west coast. By 2024 I’ll be opening our flagship brick-and-mortar location.

Pricing:

• Between $150-$350

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zivanaseer.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ziva_naseer?igshid=NmNmNjAwNzg=
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/zivanaseer/