Meet Alicia Dakteris: Handbags and Accessories Designer

As the years progressed, things changed a little bit. I became married and had young children to consider. However, I think my natural attitude towards life has always been fearless.

I’ve lived in four large cities throughout the world – Lima, Mexico City, London and Los Angeles – and have been fortunate enough to travel extensively throughout the rest of the world, all while changing my career a number of times. For over 20 years, I was an Art Director for a major Hispanic agency, handling a number of high-profile accounts. I also took on a Brand Manager role for a beauty line of products at the same time. After the tech boom, I transitioned to a leader in technological products and then ultimately back to a Creative Director of Advertising.

It sounds easy when you put it on paper, but these transitions often had a number of growing pains and learnings.

All of these risks, both small and large, along with all of the people I encountered along the way, have contributed to my latest step which is my brand, Alicia Dakteris. All of these pieces are part of a large puzzle, coming together to reflect the results of my current business.

Does it get any easier? No, every new day brings a new risk, a new challenge and a new opportunity. But, in many ways, that’s what keeps me passionate about what I do every day.

I’ve personally lived in four different countries before moving to Los Angeles, I was fascinated with the melting pot of people and cultures living in this vast city, where ideas stir and blend with one another to make them richer and incomparable.  As a traveler and a designer, I always find the beauty in colors and textures. I loved to immerse myself in different cultures, in new landscapes, exotic flavors, languages and colors. Some colors were vibrant and distinctive, while others blended with the landscape. I think all of these things have contributed to my designs.
Most of my handbags are crossbody, because I like to keep my hands-free. Some of them have a 2″ stratp, that can be exchanged and are easy to secure. These bags are perfect for people who have neck or shoulder problems.

I think my bags fit well with smart and practical women and men, looking for a quality leather product. Handcrafted in Los Angeles by Artisans with a level of detail and affordable price. My bags will last and age beautifully.

There are always challenges, and new tactics to learn. It’s very important for me to humble myself and look for others’ expertise and help. It’s very important to ask questions and team with people who know more than yourself.  Doesn’t get easier, but I love the design part, and see happy customers giving great reviews.

If this is their first time in LA, I definitely will take them to a 4-5 hours car sightseeing, so they can “feel” the city: Downtown LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills – Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica a quick walk on Third St. Promenade, The Santa Monica Pier, a drive to the Beach, Sunset Blvd. and stop for lunch somewhere on our way. Then a coffee somewhere in Venice, with a small stroll on the beach.