Cheryl Schulke
Located in the Houston area, we have finally translated our word-of-mouth, back-room business to a real website. Stash Couture is owned and operated by me, Cheryl Schulke. When I am not designing, you will probably find me behind the lens of a camera shooting for my freelance photography business or <a href="http://www.refueledmagazine.com/" title="Refueled">Refueled</a> magazine. Follow my <a href="http://www.stashstudios.typepad.com/" title="Stash Studios">Stash Studios</a> blog, check out my fotos on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashstudios/" title="Flickr">Flickr</a> or get an inside look at my adventures on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Houston-TX/Stash-Studios/115294028688" title="Facebook">Facebook</a>.
I've worked professionally as a usability specialist and have long dabbled in many areas of design, including software, marketing, furniture, clothing. I never set out to enter the world of accessories. The very first bag was made simply because I wanted a cool, completely unique, modern yet artisan, and ultimately practical bag for a junking expedition and photo shoot in Warrenton, Texas.
When considering things to make, I always consider the greater impact. The idea of producing stuff just for sake of production has never appealed to me. I am committed to utilizing the highest quality materials to ensure longevity and whenever possible I source supplies from old stock and gently-used sources. This is a bag that should last more than one lifetime.
The hides are best quality Brazilian steerhides. The animals are not raised for their hide. These are products of a thriving beef industry and like many cultures who honor an animal and utilize every part, I believe that the individual care and craft that goes into these bags venerates the life and spirit of the resource. These are the same pelts you see in modern decor magazines today. The quality is in line with those used in both upholstery and rugs.
Each bag is custom-crafted and hand-riveted by me in studio and will never be duplicated because of the variation in hides. I don’t believe in sweatshop labor and if I ever find the need to outsource, my business model is to utilize a community where our involvement provides properly compensated creative labor opportunities for folks who need the work.
In the meantime, as I grow my business, I daily try to figure out ways to give back. I was recently inspired by the guy who started <a href="http://www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=271" title="Tom's Shoes">Tom's Shoes</a>. So we decided to collect 3.5% per retail sale to donate to <a href="http://www.heifer.org/" title="Heifer International">Heifer International</a>. This seemed the best way to complete the circle of what we are creating.
All photos and designs on this website ©2009 Cheryl Schulke and Stash Couture. All Rights Reserved.
<notextile><img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0032/5022/files/CS_and_Courtney_for_Stash_Studios.jpg?1245162091' alt='' /><div id="foto"><p id="foto-right"></notextile>Left/Center - CSchulke for Stash Studios Photo Credit: Don Weir
Right - Courtney Smith Barton for Stash Studios Photo Credit: CSchulke<notextile></p>
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<p>Located in the Houston area, we have finally translated our word-of-mouth, back-room business to a real website. Stash Couture is owned and operated by me, Cheryl Schulke. When I am not designing, you will probably find me behind the lens of a camera shooting for my freelance photography business or <a href="http://www.refueledmagazine.com/" title="Refueled">Refueled</a> magazine. Follow my <a href="http://www.stashstudios.typepad.com/" title="Stash Studios">Stash Studios</a> blog, check out my fotos on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashstudios/" title="Flickr">Flickr</a> or get an inside look at my adventures on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Houston-TX/Stash-Studios/115294028688" title="Facebook">Facebook</a>.</p>
<p>I’ve worked professionally as a usability specialist and have long dabbled in many areas of design, including software, marketing, furniture, clothing. I never set out to enter the world of accessories. The very first bag was made simply because I wanted a cool, completely unique, modern yet artisan, and ultimately practical bag for a junking expedition and photo shoot in Warrenton, Texas.</p>
<p>When considering things to make, I always consider the greater impact. The idea of producing stuff just for sake of production has never appealed to me. I am committed to utilizing the highest quality materials to ensure longevity and whenever possible I source supplies from old stock and gently-used sources. This is a bag that should last more than one lifetime.</p>
<p>The hides are best quality Brazilian steerhides. The animals are not raised for their hide. These are products of a thriving beef industry and like many cultures who honor an animal and utilize every part, I believe that the individual care and craft that goes into these bags venerates the life and spirit of the resource. These are the same pelts you see in modern decor magazines today. The quality is in line with those used in both upholstery and rugs.</p>
<p>Each bag is custom-crafted and hand-riveted by me in studio and will never be duplicated because of the variation in hides. I don’t believe in sweatshop labor and if I ever find the need to outsource, my business model is to utilize a community where our involvement provides properly compensated creative labor opportunities for folks who need the work.</p>
<p>In the meantime, as I grow my business, I daily try to figure out ways to give back. I was recently inspired by the guy who started <a href="http://www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=271" title="Tom's Shoes">Tom’s Shoes</a>. So we decided to collect 3.5% per retail sale to donate to <a href="http://www.heifer.org/" title="Heifer International">Heifer International</a>. This seemed the best way to complete the circle of what we are creating.</p>
<p>All photos and designs on this website ©2009 Cheryl Schulke and Stash Couture. All Rights Reserved.</p>
<p><img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0032/5022/files/CS_and_Courtney_for_Stash_Studios.jpg?1245162091' alt='' /><div id="foto"><p id="foto-right">Left/Center – CSchulke for Stash Studios Photo Credit: Don Weir <br />
Right – Courtney Smith Barton for Stash Studios Photo Credit: CSchulke</p></p>
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2009-06-15T13:07:43-05:00
about-us
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2009-06-15T13:07:43-05:00
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About Us
2009-11-20T15:11:43-06:00