Our Story
Hi, I'm Veronica...I'm the designer behind Borboleta.
Growing up in a multicultural household, my traveling journey started quite early on. My dad's from Boston and my mom's from Bangkok, so I split my time between Thailand and the US. I learned to pack and unpack at an early age.
I also loved creating things since a young age. Being creative is a part of my identity. So when I was old enough to sew, I asked my mom for a sewing machine. I started experimenting with clothes, and eventually bags. I loved making things to solve problems I have with traveling, for example, a store-bought bag usually didn't have many pockets for all my (sometimes unnecessary) things! When I created my own, I could make things exactly the way I wanted.
After graduating from University of Maryland College Park, I spent the following seven years in the nonprofit and educational sectors in Washington, DC, and Bangkok. Throughout that time, I had the pleasure of traveling to 20+ countries, carrying bags I designed and created.
I knew one day I wanted to be a designer. So after work, I took a part-time program for 2 years to study fashion design at an Italian Fashion School in Bangkok. After graduating, I launched my brand Borboleta in 2012 with the modest savings from my previous jobs.
It is my absolute pleasure to design and create handbags for women all around the world. To date, we have customers in more than 50 countries and counting. Our steady, sustainable growth means that we can continue to donate to students in need.
In 2016, I moved to Florence, Italy, to pursue a Master's Degree in Fashion Brand Management from Polimoda. After finishing, I moved back to Bangkok to run the company. We are a small team of creatives with an in-house factory that allows our creativity to turn into actual bags. I believe that happy team members make happy customers. We are all about kind fashion and style that can last years.
Veronica Race
Founder, Borboleta Bag
Pre-2012: Early Foundations
Founder Veronica Race begins sewing custom bags to solve her own travel needs while splitting her time between Bangkok and Boston.
She spends seven years working in the nonprofit and educational sectors across Washington, DC, and Bangkok.
After traveling to over 20 countries, she completes a two-year part-time fashion design program at an Italian Fashion School in Bangkok.
2012: Brand Launch
- Borboleta is officially founded.
- The brand name, meaning "butterfly" in Portuguese, is chosen to symbolize lightweight, stylish mobility for modern women who love to travel.
2016: Academic Expansion
- Veronica moves to Florence, Italy, to complete a Master’s Degree in Fashion Brand Management from the Polimoda International Institute of Fashion Design and Marketing.
- She subsequently returns to Bangkok to manage the company and establish an in-house factory.
Present: Ongoing Impact
The brand manufactures cruelty-free bags using innovative, durable, and peel-resistant Japanese alternative leather.
Production is handled ethically by skilled Thai artisans who receive fair wages and health benefits.
Borboleta expands its global footprint, exporting bags to over 50 countries worldwide.
A portion of revenue from every purchase continues to fund breakfast and educational programs for children in remote areas of Thailand.
Lightweight Sustainable Materials
Crafted from soft, buttery scientific leather. This high-quality microfiber is highly durable and 30% lighter than genuine leather, saving your shoulders on long days.
Functional Design
Designed for your lifestyle. Every bag features 5 to 10 pockets, including key holders and secret phone compartments to keep you organized.
Ethical Production
Made in our own factory in Thailand. We ensure our artisans many with over 15 years of experience enjoy a happy, comfortable workplace with excellent salaries and health benefits.
Giving Back
Business should be a driver for social change. A portion of all proceeds funds educational programs for underprivileged students.