As parents and designers of the haute, eco-friendly line REVEAL, Terry and Jiaying Omata are truly an inspiration to all! Founded in 2009, REVEAL is already making a statement in the fashion world, and “Mom” was thrilled to be able to glean some insight into their planet-conscious pieces. Take a peek at their collection online at www.revealshop.com.

An Interview with the Designers Behind REVEAL Handbags & Accessories

Tell us about your eco-inspired company.

In 1999, REVEAL’s founders, Terry and Jiaying Omata, backpacked throughout Asia, South America and Africa. As they journeyed through some of the world’s most beautiful developing countries, everywhere they saw people working hard to escape poverty and give their children a better life. Realizing the common desire for people to attain a higher standard of living would ultimately lead to our planet’s deterioration, they created REVEAL to reinvent fashion in an eco-friendly and viable way.

Naturally, our beautiful handbags and accessories are made with the most innovative recycled and sustainable materials available. And our devotion to preserving the planet’s resources is shown through every aspect of our business, from our earth and animal friendly materials and manufacturing processes, to the corporate practices and causes we support.

REVEAL means being true to ourselves, our customers, and the world around us. We design for you – so that being socially responsible, like fashion, is fun and attainable. We design for today’s men and women, with the planet’s future in mind. And we do as our name suggests – we reveal how our products are made, empowering you to make well-informed choices. Finally, you don’t have to choose between fashion and a better planet.

How do you choose to go green in your own life?

I avoid driving as much as possible. I make sure to live in a neighborhood where I can walk to work, do my errands, shop and dine. When I absolutely have to drive, I drive my hybrid.

Guilty green pleasure?

Definitely the local farmers market- it’s so great to walk through our local market and connect with the artisans and farmers. Also, since I just had my first baby, I can’t resist purchasing cute little eco-friendly goodies for my baby girl. Seriously, who can pass up those cute little onesies?!
Can you offer any encouraging words for those with a small sustainable business?

I would just say that we are all in this together and our common goal is to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. Sometimes it’s not easy to design and develop sustainable products and often times it is very difficult, because it isn’t the mainstream way of doing things. But I would like to encourage others to persevere and know that our efforts will pay off and our planet will thank us.

*Image provided by REVEAL.*

Touted as the line for those who are “sexy with substance,” REVEAL offers a full line of sustainable, earth-friendly, and 100% cruelty-free handbags, wallets, messenger bags, and accessories for both men and women! This is one company whose mission is to blend fashion with their commitment to the planet, and they do it with panache. Innovative and fashion-forward, REVEAL’s bags and accessories are created with a variety of eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo, hemp, 100% cruelty-free vegan leather, and recycled polyester made from plastic water bottles. The quality is truly unmatched, and their whole line just glimmers with personality down to the very last detail!

From their Quilted Collection that has made its’ debut at select Nordstroms nationwide, to their sporty Vegan Superstar, (“Mom’s” favorite!) eco-fashionistas everywhere will agree – REVEAL has designed one incredibly hip line! From clutches and satchels to bamboo cuff links and luxury bamboo watches, REVEAL offers something for every planet-conscious soul.

Just in time for the holidays, a gift from REVEAL would make the eco-conscious mama on your gift list incredibly pleased. For those watching their budget, REVEAL’s totes and handbags are affordably-priced, and there are many stylish options under $50, such as the Ivy Quilted Wallet!

What is even more amazing about this company is that for every purchase made, REVEAL will plant a tree! They have partnered with American Forests, the oldest nonprofit conservation organization in the U.S., and a portion of their proceeds will go towards replanting native trees in damaged ecosystems around the world.

To learn more about this fantastic environmentally-conscious company, or to order one of their chic purses or other accessories, please visit www.revealshop.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this review.*

Recently, “Mom” had the distinct pleasure of being introduced to Canopy Verde, a wonderful new company whose commitment to the environment shines through their eco-fabulous handbags and totes for women. The company’s designer, Linda Wong, took the time out of her busy day to answer some of “Mom’s” questions about this fashionable line.

An Interview with Linda Wong, Creator of Canopy Verde

Tell us about your eco-inspired company:

I decided in 2007, after many years studying and working in business and accessory design, that it was the right time to create something that reflected my aesthetic and desire to do something meaningful. So Canopy Verde was born, a collection of earth-friendly handbags designed to appeal to the woman who wants both style and sustainability.

The timing of the launch was certainly fortuitous – I was in the process of launching my website the same day that I gave birth to my son, Will. As a new mom, I’ve incorporated my new experiences into the collection, adding the Dewberry Tote, a mom-friendly diaper bag.

How do you choose to go green in your own life:

I try to go green through little decisions in my everyday life. At home, we eat organic and local as much as possible, compost our food waste, recycle, unplug electric appliances at night, etc. Wherever we can decrease our energy usage, we opt for the option with the least carbon footprint.

Guilty green pleasure:


I’m pretty frugal by nature so I don’t splurge on a lot of things. I do love Aveda products and their whole philosophy so my guilty green pleasure is using their serum every night.
Can you offer any encouraging words for those with a small sustainable business?


Even if it seems that the willingness to pay a premium for green products has waned due to the recession, I believe this a trend for the long term. People are still making lifestyle changes to live a greener life. We are part of a force for positive change!

*Image courtesy of Canopy Verde.*

Canopy Verde’s earth-friendly bags simply beam with personality. What sets the collection apart from the rest is the skillful attention to details. The line is made with fine stitching, solid construction, functional design and a unique touch of whimsy.

The creator of Canopy Verde, Linda Wong, grew up in China and had learned the value of a “waste not” mentality early in life. The entire Canopy Verde series is made using organic cotton, chrome-free leather, OEKO-TEX 100 certified dyes, and chemical-free embroidery. Thinking globally, the company encourages Chinese manufacturers to embrace an environmentally friendly approach.

It’s easy to see why the fashion world has taken notice of Canopy Verde’s line. From clutches to duffels and totes to weekenders, the line has everything that a style conscious enthusiast would look for. The bag collections were inspired by flowers and include fun names like “Juniper”, “Freesia”, “Dandelion” and “Dewberry”. Just in time for fall, the entire collection is viewable from www.canopyverde.com.

This review was written by Kirstin Robison, who has a passion for everything beauty and travel related. Often found scouring articles and store shelves for the latest must-haves, Kirstin prefers to stay on top of trends. Nothing inspires her more than to find extraordinary products that really work and make life easier. Having traveled to many exotic locations, Kirstin understands the value of products that offer practical benefits. Writing for “Tiny Green Mom” gives her the opportunity to discover new products that make a difference for the user and the planet.

*Company provided images and information for this review.*