Tote Bag Brand Branches Out With Wedding Line

Twiggy made its way through the craft fair circuit and now can be found at brick-and-mortar locations such as The Wedding Cafe and Miemiko NICOLE KATO PHOTOS

Reusable bags have been a lifesaver for many after the state wide plastic bag ban and are perfect for carrying everything from groceries to gym clothes — not to mention they’re better for the environment.

Local tote bag company Twiggy emerged on the scene to cater to those who want the functionality of a reusable bag combined with cute, decorative flair.

Founder Jessica Leong-Thomas has grown the brand from humble beginnings to a full-fledged production operation that offers storage bags and pouches as well as totes. And the ideas keep on coming: Leong-Thomas — who recently got married — just unveiled her Twiggy wedding line, which can be found at stores like The Wedding Cafe and Miemiko.

“I wanted to start a wedding line; it was one of those ideas when I first started Twiggy,” Leong-Thomas explains. “And since I was planning my own wedding, it was perfect timing to get that into place.”

Twiggy totes feature designs inspired by female entrepreneurs

Leong-Thomas also has set her sights on a kids line (Twiglet) that features a big space for keiki to draw on with fabric markers.

With a degree in family resources and communicology, Leong-Thomas exercised her creative muscles and interest in graphic design with Twiggy. Launched just last year, the business isn’t the first venture Leong-Thomas has “branched” out to. She originally started Leaflet Designs in 2012 and did the craft-fair circuit.

From there, she created Twiggy. With slogans like “Lemons! Make That Lemonade” and “You’re a Gem Be Brilliant,” the totes aim to inspire.

“I pull all my designs from women who are goal-getters,” she explains. “I wanted to make designs for them, the women who have a thousand things to do, but they still act in grace, love and kindness.”

The company also recently launched its wedding line

Although her full-time job as a construction administrator keeps her busy, Leong-Thomas hopes to one day focus all her efforts on her businesses — much like the inspiring women around her.

“I draw energy from all their talent and the passion they have,” she says. “It’s scary to start your own business and do it full-time.”

For more information, visit leaf-lethawaii.com and hellotwiggy.com or follow @leafletdesigns and @hellotwiggy on Instagram.