Rachel Hosmer Reyes, Designer & Owner of Ami Bags
Rachel is one of my favorite people in Santa Fe. When I met her three years ago (to interview her for a Santa Fe Found feature) I was going through some tough life transitions, and what was intended to be me-interviewing-her turned into a mentoring session with her giving me great life advice!! Through the years we’ve met up regularly and she always offers insightful feedback and is one of the kindest people I know. ANYWAY, she was the first maker I approached about collaborating on some items for the Santa Fe Found collection, and the pillows we made are probably my favorite product in this launch. You can shop the pillows here.
-Zippy
Since I last interviewed you, what’s new in your life and business?
As we all know, the world changed so much since we last talked. 2020 was a tough year around the globe. In spite of that, it was a good year for Ami Bags in the sense that the stores carrying my bags in Santa Fe (Array Home, Cielo Handcrafted, and Pushpin Collaborative) really stepped up and supported my business by keeping the orders coming. Within my family, we faced my husband’s diagnosis and treatment for throat cancer in the second half of 2020. Gratefully, almost one year later, Brad shows no evidence of disease, but cancer has undoubtedly changed us - though hopefully for the better. We notice beauty everywhere and celebrate the triumph in even the smallest things, all while looking for the lessons in life’s challenges.
I still focus on up-cycling textile samples given to me by local interior designers and incorporating them into unique handbags. I line my leather bags with these remnants and I often use them in a patchwork quilt-style for the outside of my cosmetic bags. It feels good to keep these sample fabrics out of the landfills.
What projects are you most looking forward to in the coming months?
Lately, I’m spending more time in vintage thrift stores because I’m exploring how to incorporate slightly used fabrics in my designs. I have lots of collaborations in the works. Notably, my partnership with Zippy and Santa Fe Found is particularly meaningful to me. I’m also in the planning stages of developing Ami-inspired cosmetic bags as gifts for the customers of my good friend, Kristin, who reps for Beauty Counter.
How has your work evolved over the years?
I’m slowing down and taking the time to prioritize the quality and functionality of my bags even more. I’ve learned that taking the time to hand stitch parts of my bags instead of 100% machine stitching them makes a tremendous difference in the look and feel of my creations. I often use a contrasting color thread in my hand stitched details which my customers love.
What is inspiring you lately?
I love seeing the creations of Virginia Shepley on Instagram. Her artwork has definitely influenced my Ink Pochette Wallet Collection.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your work recently?
Time management for sure. I’m helping a friend with her home organizing business. It’s immensely fulfilling and satisfies a different part of my brain. It’s a gift to be of service to help people create spaces that are functional and beautiful. Developing new designs for Ami and working as an organizer can be challenging, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I love doing both!
What advice can you give to budding creatives and entrepreneurs in Santa Fe?
I can only share my experience since launching Ami Bags six years ago. I’ve learned that respecting and enjoying the process of making is the key to my happiness. I try not to focus on outcomes. I am in a constant state of learning and I’m eternally inquisitive. Just to keep learning and not give up - that’s all the advice I can share.
What do you like most about Santa Fe?
I love and appreciate the depth of the culture in this historical city. Old things are cool here. That’s not the case in every city, certainly not in Los Angeles where I lived for almost 10 years. The most beautiful women live in New Mexico. They are powerful, grounded and not afraid of grey hair and wrinkles. They are real and they own it!
At the end of the day, why do you do what you do?
I love creating something out of nothing. That in a nutshell is what being a creative is all about to me. It wasn’t there, now it’s there. I dreamed it in my mind then I made it with my hands.
Do you and your family have any special holiday traditions?
I grew up with 7 siblings and the holidays were nuts! Now it’s just my husband, me, our 2 cats (Pip & Poppy), and 2 dogs (Buddy & Giaco). We like it quiet, calm, and cozy. We honor Christmas with a very simple tree decorated with heirloom ornaments passed down from our families and sprinkled in with special ones Brad and I have collected since we’ve been together.
What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?
It’s funny, but I don’t think about it as being some time or day “more” than any other. Every day is a gift. Even the tough days are a gift. The holidays are just another collection of days to learn, to make, to grow, and to be grateful.