The year is 2007 and the setting, Singapore.

Fliss Brophy the original owner of Bahru realises there is a gap in the market for high-quality, everlasting leather bags that were priced for everyday women.
 
Fast forward almost 15 years and numerous designs later, Fliss was back in Australia and Bahru had grown into a much loved and thriving brand, with customers from all over the world.
 
In 2022, during one of many conversations about bags and business between Fliss and her long-time friend of 40 years Michaela Hales (or “Mike”) an idea formed. Fliss would pass the Bahru baton to Michaela and she would go on to create the next chapter for the brand. Given that Michaela was already both a loyal customer and massive devotee of the brand for many years, she jumped at the chance.

Presently Michaela manages to juggle the everyday running of Bahru, which is now almost a full-time project, as well as her part time role as Uniform Shop Manager at her children’s school. Although Michaela is new to being a small business retail owner, she has drawn on experience from the days when she and her husband owned and operated a successful electrical business in the mining sector.
 
When asked what the greatest hurdle has been, Michaela said, “The biggest difference and challenge has been all of the social media side – I was and still am, a complete novice to all of it but it has been exciting to learn new things and I do love a challenge!”.

All of Bahru’s bags, like the very popular “Paris” and “Mini Florence” are designed by Michaela or previous owner Fliss Brophy and are handmade by their fabulous artisan team, based overseas. The future of Bahru looks bright with Michaela’s vision of continuing to bring luxury, timeless pieces to women with busy lives and full hands, well on its way. A beautiful quality leather bag is an investment and Michaela hopes to be able to continue to bring this with the current range as well as adding some new and exciting pieces to the Bahru family.

We always look forward to having Michaela as one of our retailers at Perth Upmarket and when we asked her what her favourite thing about the market is, she responded with, “Everything! It has allowed so many fabulous creatives to showcase the amazing things they do, make and sell and gives people who love to support local that exact chance! I love that it gives me the opportunity to show new visitors to the market my bags and it is a great time to catch up with those who already know and love Bahru”.

We couldn’t agree more Michaela - we can’t wait to see you at our Christmas market on November 27^th!

They say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step but in this case, it started with a handbag.
 
Website: www.bahru.com.au