Bayá Collections

ABOUT 

Bayá is an indigenous word from South America meaning, “to live, exist, breathe,” which evokes the essence of the Bayá Collection. Miami designer and mom, Lissette Cuervo knows that all too well. With two small children in tow, she found that the bags then on the market were not functional, especially for busy and dynamic moms. 

“Trying to lug my older son’s soccer gear and my newborn’s necessities, while trying to be stylish was a bit difficult,” says Lissette. Tapping into her 10 years in New York’s fashion industry, Lissette took matters into her own hands and began designing bags that had function, but were also fashionable for today’s woman-on-the-go.

Bayá’s designs keep the active woman in mind. Understanding that busy women need simplicity and versatility – without sacrificing the chic and the beautiful – Lissette designed her first toddler bags to easily transition into totes long after baby is out of diapers.

Today, the Collection has expanded, with hobos, messengers and sling bags to appeal to all women. The Bayá Collection is perfect for all facets of life and lifestyle.  

MORE ABOUT LISSETTE CUERVO.

I was born and raised in Westchester, NY. My parents are from Colombia South America. At a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a designer. I enjoyed sketching and crafting. Instead of reading books, I would spend hours looking through fashion magazines. While I was in high school, I took college courses at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) where I completed my BA in International Trade and Marketing.




WHAT WAS YOUR JOURNEY THAT LED YOU TO YOUR BUSINESS?

I always wanted to have my own business. When I was a teenager, I opened up a small shop in my town. I offered apparel, accessories and gifts. While I attended college, I studied and worked full-time at a buying & trend forecast office, then later became a buyer. 

I worked in New York’s Fashion Industry for over 10 years. Due to my husband’s job, we moved to Florida which was very different from working in the Big Apple. It was difficult to get a job. When I had my second child, my oldest was playing soccer and it was quite a handful to lug around baby gear, soccer gear and my purse. I wanted a bag that was fashionable, yet functional with multiple uses. Hence, Baya Collections was born.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?

I love so many things about my business. Although it can get crazy, I love being able to flex between work and family. I also enjoy watching my designs come to life, from sketch to final product. I draw inspiration from a variety of things that surround me, such as daily activities, environments, travel and the list goes on. I love color and print. 

One of my favorite things that happen is when I’m out and about and I see different moms wearing my bags and accessories. The feeling I get is priceless. Recently, at a Gymboree© class with my little one, I saw a mom with my reversible sling bag.

WHAT TOP LESSONS DID YOU LEARN AS A MOM ENTREPRENEUR?

1. Juggling work and family is NOT easy, but I learned to just be happy and proud with what DOES get accomplished.

2. Time organization is key. I take a few minutes in the morning, before I turn my computer on, to jot down my to-do list and priorities for the day.

WHAT DOES LIFE BALANCE MEAN TO YOU?
  
Being able to enjoy my family and love my work.

WHAT DOES BAYA COLLECTIONS OFFER MOMS?

Baya Collections is a line of multifunctional, chic bags & accessories designed in an exclusive selection of prints. Who said moms had to sacrifice style for function? The concept of our line is multifunctional bags and accessories, from quick diaper changing to a weekend bag and running errands with or without your little one.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OR ACTIVITIES THAT YOU ENJOY DOING WITH YOUR FAMILY?

We love the outdoors. We enjoy traveling and camping. We spend a lot of our time on the soccer field.

DO YOU HAVE HOBBIES OR ACTIVITIES THAT YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF THE BUSINESS? 

I love, love crafting and party planning.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS DO YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT?

We have participated in Operation Christmas Child, MOFAS.org and we are very active in fundraising activities for our children's school.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION WITH BAYA COLLECTIONS IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS?

My vision for Baya Collections is to continue expanding our line of products. We started out as a diaper bag company in 2007 and the response to our design and concept was so great that we decided to introduce handbags and small accessories in 2012. Next I would love to add a luxe line of leather handbags and accessories.