Hi! I'm Andi, founder of ANDI. I think the most important thing for you to know about me is that I like to live my days as fully as possible. When I had the original idea for ANDI, I was working in a very corporate environment and traveling a ton. I needed to look the part, but also to make the most of my days! I bought a very nice leather bag, which was beautiful but it stressed me out because I worried about the rain ruining it – and it was also heavy – so I would have to run back home or to my hotel room to change out the bag, which meant a loss of time.
My original idea was a waterproof cover for another bag. I sought out a mentor and figured out how to get the initial design made. I sourced waterproof fabrics and took them with me on a work trip to China - and found a nice man in a market who agreed to make the first one.
The next day, I went back to the market to pick up my design. I tested out the folding capability right away - it worked, and it was beautiful. I hopped in a cab back to my hotel and cried tears of joy and amazement that my idea had come to life. And as soon as I started to use this first prototype, I fell in love with how light and easy it was to carry. Most importantly, I loved that I didn’t have to worry about my bag. And from that first prototype, I spent over 5 years and 63 design iterations making the bag of my dreams.
ANDIs deliver form and function in equal measure, are built to last, and should replace at least three other bags in your closet. Our pieces are elevated, sustainably-minded, and practical so that you can take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
I also want you to know that the conditions in which your ANDI is made are excellent! People are treated well and paid a fair wage - while listening to music. I have been to nearly every supplier for every piece that makes up an ANDI.
~95% of ANDI bags incorporate fabric made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.
Today, ANDI is a small business that envisions a world where we live more simply, more fully, and do more with less. So we design bags that look great, feel just right, and do no harm.
Our pieces are designed to help us live that good life;new experiences, time with loved ones, and the prioritization of well-being; mental,emotional, and spiritual.
You do it all and somehow find a way to do even more every day. You don't accept the status quo and constantly challenge yourself to be the best you can be. Simply striving to be your best makes you an awesome human. It is our honor to support you in your endeavors to be good to yourself.