I'm really excited to highlight this shop. I met the owner, Iwona Ash (pronounced Eh-von-ah), by chance on Venice Beach while our dogs played in the water, and we had a very human conversation about health, healing, and mindful living which led me to stop by her store later that day. She told me her shop was tucked into a little shopping area called Gingerbread Court. There are so many little shops in Gingerbread Court worth stopping by, but this one really stood out to me.
Her shop has a small storefront along with a workspace where she designs everything, and you can really feel the intention behind it. She works with natural materials like linen and hemp, and makes beautifully designed leather bags using high-quality European leather.
One bag in particular really impressed me. She loaded her own bag up with books and a computer to show me how it distributes weight, and when I tried it on, it barely felt heavy at all. The leather was incredibly soft, both inside and out, and honestly just felt amazing to touch. She mentioned that her bag was several years old and still holding up beautifully, which was impressive given how much use it gets.
She also showed me a white linen dress and explained how she designed it to be worn in different ways:
* with flip-flops for the beach
* with a leather belt and heels for dinner
* layered with a jacket for work
Seeing it styled those different ways made it clear how thoughtfully her pieces are designed to fit into real life.
Everything felt considered. These are pieces designed to be worn, used, and enjoyed over time, not rushed past. The level of care and craftsmanship really stood out, and it reminded me of a small leather shop I once visited in Italy, where the owner handcrafted everything himself. There was that same sense of intention, longevity, and pride in the work. I also loved that she makes an effort to use all of her materials and avoid waste. She showed me several small handbags she created using leftover pieces, which felt very aligned with her values.
Since I just visited, I can already tell this place is going to stay with me after this trip, and it's absolutely a shop I plan to return to. The shop is at 11A, all the way at the end of Gingerbread Court. Walk down the alley and up the steps. It's a special little find, and well worth seeking out. read more