Piel Fina: The Story Behind the Bags
Hola! I'm Evelyn Rodriguez, the proud founder of Piel Fina and the wearer of many hats. By day, I work full-time in the world of clinical research. By night (and let’s be real, on lunch breaks and weekends too) I’m all in on building a brand that means the world to me.
This blog is where I get to open up, get real, and invite you into the why behind the bags. So, welcome to the first post of many!
Why I Do This (Even When I'm Exhausted)
Running a brand while working full-time is not for the faint of heart or the faint of coffee. But I do it because this matters. It’s about more than handbags. It’s about giving artisans a platform. It’s about showing the next generation that honoring your roots is powerful. That it’s possible to blend tradition with modernity. That you can be ambitious, stylish, ethical, and a little chaotic all at once.
Thank you for being here, for believing in this dream, and for carrying a piece of Mexico with you (literally and figuratively).
From Psychology to Purses (Not As Random As It Sounds)
With a B.A. in Intensive Psychology from UCSC and a Master’s in Applied Psychology from USC, if you’d told me a few years ago that my degrees in organizational and consumer psychology would lead to handbags, there is no way I'd believe that. But honestly, studying how people engage with brands taught me something deeper: the power of connection. I’ve always wanted to create something that makes people feel happy, inspired, confident, and even a little sparkle of excitement. Piel Fina is my way of wrapping all those feelings into something tangible and beautiful.
My background has also helped me understand that fashion isn't just about what you wear. It's about identity, roots, memory. That’s why I created Piel Fina as a heartfelt tribute to my heritage and family.
Born From Roots, Built With Heart
As a Mexican American, this brand is my love letter to the culture that raised me. The sounds of mariachi, the smell of leather, the vibrant colors of cambaya, bordado, sarape, and all colorful fabrics and textile, I wanted to take all of that magic and channel it into something tactile, lasting, and beautiful.
Piel Fina isn’t just a handbag brand. It’s a celebration. Each piece we offer is made in Mexico with love, passion, and deep respect for our rich cultural traditions. Or as I like to say “Made with love and a sprinkle of Mexican Magic”.
What Makes a Piel Fina Bag So… Finas?
Materials That Matter
We offer both genuine leather and vegan-friendly options, because style should never make you compromise your values. Genuine leather provides that luxe, time-tested durability. The vegan collection offers a cruelty-free alternative with just as much flair. We also work with materials like jute and cambaya, which give our bags a rich, earthy, and distinctly Mexican feel.
Patterns With Purpose
Our embossing patterns are more than just a pretty design. In Mexico, embossed patterns are symbolic—reflecting history, identity, even local folklore. They’re tactile time capsules, preserving culture in leather form. Owning one of our bags is like carrying around a piece of art that also happens to holds your phone, lipstick, wallets, etc. 🙂
Let’s Keep Talking
I’d love to hear from you! Which Piel Fina bag speaks to your style? What kind of stories would you want to see in future posts? Maybe artisan profiles, behind-the-scenes photos, styling tips, my favorite bags?
Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or just say hi! 🥰
With love and lots of gratitude,
Evelyn Rodriguez
Founder, Dreamer, Leather-Lover, & Cultural Cheerleader
