Our Process

Step 1: Design Comes First

It started with sketches. I had a clear vision for what this bag needed to do: carry a laptop, look sharp in any setting, and hold up to daily life. I didn’t want excess, and I didn’t want fluff—I wanted clean lines, smart compartments, and a silhouette that could flex from work to weekend. So I started drawing. Over and over.

Step 2: Finding the Right Manufacturer

Once the design felt right, I had to figure out how to bring it to life. That meant navigating the world of manufacturing—finding partners who understood my goals and could work on a small scale without compromising on quality. I talked to a lot of suppliers, sampled with a few, and eventually found an NYC-based manufacturer who just got it.

Step 3: Prototyping & Refining

The first samples weren’t perfect. And neither were the second or third. Each round, I adjusted the size, strap placement, zipper quality, internal layout, and even the stitching details. I tested every version myself—stuffing the bag, traveling with it, and seeing how it weathered daily use. Refinement took time, but I didn’t want to release anything I wouldn’t use daily.

Step 4: Fabric & Hardware Choices

Once the structure was right, I turned to the materials. I chose a premium fabric that’s both durable and elevated—something that feels substantial but not stiff. The hardware had to match: smooth zippers, strong o-rings, and subtle metal details that age well with wear. Every piece was selected to support both form and function.

Step 5: Bringing It to Life

With the final product in hand, I moved on to content—because a great bag needs a great story. I organized photoshoots, created videos, and built the brand from scratch. I wanted the look and feel to match the bag itself: clean, confident, and quietly bold.

Step 6: Launching The Effect

Now, after 1.5 years of designing, sourcing, testing, and creating—The Effect's 212 bag is here.

This is just the beginning. But it’s the product of every late night, every design tweak, and every decision made with intention.