About me
I wasn't the star student in class, in fact most of my notebooks in high school were filled with loads of doodles, especially sketches and designs.
I excelled above all others in one thing - styling, and most of the girls in school would come to me for advice or ask me to help them with their get - up ot outfits that they wanted to wear.
From a young age, I already had the knack of self expression, especially through my fashion style, my clothing and accessories. I often recollect how I used to get dressed super cool and go out with my friends , only to race home after ten minutes in order to change as I had attracted way too many odd stares.
Very soon after I had completed my sentence of high school, I got the travellers bug, and quickly I began to realise and see the one common factor. From schick Europe right across to culturally diverse Asia, I saw that independent fashion conscious women were everywhere, and they weren't ashamed or embarrassed to strut their stuff.
One day however, I found myself stuck in India with not even two rupees to rub together, I needed a job and fast, and where would I find a decent paying job in India of all places??!!
I went after what I had experience with, sewing machines, and very quickly found myself sitting behind a machine in a local tailors store on the streets of Manali.
The store specialises in leather products of all kinds and for the first time ever I said: "My god, who knew that working with leather could be such fun!!??"
Upon my return to Israel, I first landed slap bang in Central Tel Aviv. Finally !!! A city where I could be myself, dress as I felt like and WITHOUT getting any weird glances from anybody.
The second place I discovered was the leather stores downtown. Suddenly I realised that there was a whole world out there of endless choices of leathers, textures and colors to be discovered. Again I said: "My God, I can't believe that this has been here all this time!!"
My first bag that I created, I managed to sell after two days and I was shocked and surprised. The client was so happy that within a week I was designing items for all her friends that she brought along. Within half a year I sold my first collection, by now I realised something very special.
I wake up everyday and do something that I enjoy, I was living my dream, and there 'aint no way that I'm ever going to give it up.
By opening up my Etsy store, I was immediately exposed to a flood of international customers from all corners of the globe, this amazing gift in turn allows me to continue persuing my dream - life, each and every day.
Today I already have a small factory helping me out, thanks to the of Ali and Chaim the amazing owners, who manufacture my creations and in so doing, also help me to bring my designs directly to you! Feel free to contact me at: Maya.benco[!at] gmail.com Join me at: https://www.facebook.com/MaykoBags?ref=hl