Lenise Hewling is crystal clear on the identity for the luxe accessory brand eLSH, which she introduced to the world last August. "I had a desire to create pieces that felt deeply personal and enduring," explains the handbag designer and West Palm Beach, Florida, resident. "[I wanted to make] objects with soul, story, and presence."

She is hard at work, deftly cutting full-grain cowhide leather sourced from Italy, when she jumps on a Zoom call to discuss inspiration and brand building. For the philosophical Hewling, stitching eLSH's minimalist bags crafts a narrative that extends beyond being statement makers for the fairer sex.

"The eLSH woman is no saint. Let's start there," she tells Sunday Lifestyle with a wink.