I started Umbrella Collective back in 2014, while living in Portland, Oregon. After many failed attempts of landing an architecture job after graduating college, my boyfriend at the time, (husband now) Nick, bought me a no-frills, plastic, domestic Singer sewing machine. He knew how much I loved bags and had the idea that I should test out my skills at making my own. Aside from one fashion course I took in college, I had no idea how to sew. Watching YouTube videos and DIY tutorials is what gave me a foundation to create really simple tote bags, pouches, and even clothes.

After lots of trial and error I ended up posting a few bags on Etsy and to my surprise, they sold! I eventually grew out of the domestic Singer realm and decided to upgrade with a rebuilt industrial machine I found on Craigslist for $400. This felt like a big leap of faith and a scary commitment, but this is where Umbrella Collective started to grow into what it is today. To this day, that industrial machine is still my favorite machine out of the lineup. I have since moved back home to Hawaii and have opened my own studio/storefront.

Umbrella Collective is a celebration of simplicity, functionality, and the beauty of handcrafted goods. Synthesis and attention to detail are habitual; a desire to produce quality goods for the sake of quality guides the production of all Umbrella Collective pieces. Each piece is still, to this day, made by me. With intention—made to last, made for everyone, and made for everyday use.

Erin Sim
Umbrella Collective