By Kallan Louis
Deseri Kelley, founder and designer of DESERI handbags, has had a lifelong love for luxury bags since receiving her first one at nine years old. Launched in 2022, the brand quickly created a buzz and has received support from celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion, Tina Knowles and Phylicia Rashad. In March, DESERI announced it is now available for purchase on Nordstrom’s website.
Kelley was in a far different place physically and professionally less than a decade ago. She was an educator and dedicated soccer mom that never missed her sons’ matches. Her family made the decision to move to Spain where her boys could compete against high-level global talent in Barcelona. While teaching there, she was offered an opportunity for a unique trip.
“A parent invited me to Ubrique, Spain,” Kelley explained. Ubrique is a small village world-renowned for leather products.
“She always saw me with my designer bags and wanted me to see where they were all made, Kelley recalled. “Everyone there either owns a factory, works in a factory, or has family that works in the factory. That’s where all your traditional, heritage brands have their bags manufactured.”
Kelley’s family moved back to the US in 2020 as COVID-19 began to spread. She wasn’t sure what she wanted to do next, but didn’t plan to go back into teaching with the uncertainty of the pandemic.She then realized it was her opportunity to follow her passion.
“I’ve just always had a love for handbags, and so I was like, you know what? I know exactly where and how they are made. I’ve visited different tanneries. I’m going to design my own handbags.”
When compared to traditional brands, affordable luxury is DESERI’s edge. Its bags and accessories are simple and understated.
“I just wanted to make sure that I used the finest leathers, I wanted the bags to be handmade. I didn’t want them to be mass-produced.”
In addition to bags, she sells hats and jewelry.
The Dallas-based company doesn’t have a permanent physical footprint in South Florida but has made it a priority market. In 2024, she held a pop-up event during Art Basel. She said Aventura and Wynwood will be included in a DESERI experience tour this summer.
Kelley enjoys listening to clients and taking their feedback. She says there’s a demand for her to release new designs and products.
“We’ll be expanding the brand with shoes, as well as, like, a summer look and luggage. So we’re just growing at a pace that we feel is comfortable for the brand, and comfortable for our loyal clients.”
Comfortable enough that Kelley still doesn’t miss her sons’ soccer matches.
