LET GO. LIVE LIFE. FLY!
Our vision is rooted in transformation—of both women and materials.
We believe in second chances, in breathing new life into what’s been cast aside. Through compassion, creativity, and purpose, we help women returning home from incarceration rediscover their worth, while transforming reclaimed materials into something beautiful and meaningful.
Because everyone deserves the opportunity to rise, rebuild, and shine.
Hi! I’m Michelle Smart, founder of Bags to Butterflies-Detroit!
You may be surprised to learn that more than 200,000 women across the U.S. are incarcerated—and when they return home, they’re often met with overwhelming barriers: no stable housing, few job opportunities, and limited support. At Bags to Butterflies, we exist to change that.
In 2014, I was heartbroken when I learned that the daughter of a close family friend was going to prison. That moment stirred something deep within me. I knew I had to create a space where women coming home could find not only support, but hope.
Bags to Butterflies was born from that calling—a safe and empowering community where women can heal, learn, and rediscover their worth. We offer more than transitional employment. We provide skill-building, housing referrals, financial education, and, most importantly, a sisterhood that believes in second chances.
We lovingly call these courageous women our “butterflies,” because like the butterfly, they emerge from a difficult past with beauty, resilience, and wings to soar.
Thanks to supporters like you, many of these women are now thriving—building new lives filled with confidence and purpose. Together, we’re not just helping them rebuild—we’re helping them rise. Hello Butterfly!
Keep scrolling to see how we use fashion as a tool for transformation and empowerment.
MICHELLE SMART
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Valerie Mitchell, Chairman
Community Relations, Force Detroit
“This work is deeply personal to me. I know what it feels like to come home after incarceration—to face the world with uncertainty, fear, and the heavy burden of starting over. I’ve lived it!
But I also know what it feels like to be seen, supported, and believed in.
That’s why I’ve made it my life’s mission to walk alongside other returning citizens, especially women, as they take those first brave steps toward rebuilding their lives. I offer not just guidance, but compassion—because I understand the strength it takes to heal, grow, and choose a different path.
Every woman deserves a second chance. And through my journey, I want others to see that they are not alone. There is hope. There is purpose. And there is a future waiting to be embraced—with open arms and open hearts.” - Valerie
Kevin Harris
Pastor, Nazarene Baptist Church
Anita Posey
Administrative Assistant
Homeless Action Network
Steven Schwartz
Accountant
-
![]()
FALANA
Falana is a long-time supporter who has a passion for people and is committed to being part of the change she would like to see in the world.
-
![]()
TONYA
Ms. Tonya is a Bag to Butterflies Program Graduate and specialized in Handbag Designer. After graduating the B2B program, Ms. Tonya decided to spend more time with her mom.
-
![]()
BRENDA
Brenda is a former Bags to Butterfly designer who enjoys doing abstract art.
-
![Pam]()
PAM
Pam is a former Bags to Butterflies designer who proudly served in the U.S. Army.
-
![Candace]()
CANDACE
Candace loves to let her creativity shine through in her work. She designs her own jewelry using semi-precious stones.
-
![]()
SHELLY
Shelley is dedicated to the program and the butterfly family. She loves usig her hands to create one-of-a-kind handbags.
-
![Ms. Willie]()
MS. WILLIE
Willie is a Butterfly Fabricator, who makes the butterflies that you receive with every purchase and contribution.
-
![LETICIA]()
LETICIA
Leticia loves using her hands to express herself through art.
-
![JOYCE]()
JOYCE
Joyce was inspired by her mom to be creative and in return, she gained the determination, resilience and self confidence to become an artist.
-
![Heavenly Angel Charline]()
HEAVENLY ANGEL - CHARLENE
“I never thought I would find a job after being away for so long. I’m excited about creating the bags. They are beautiful.”
-
![Heavenly Angel Robin]()
HEAVENLY ANGEL - ROBIN
Robin created and mastered a technique to mix the unique dye and paint colors.
-
![Heavenly Angel Monica]()
HEAVENLY ANGEL - MONICA
Monica used color to express her life experiences “The black represents when I was in a dark place and the red just makes bag pop.”
OUR METHODS
Every bag tells a story of healing and hope.
When our women assemble each piece of a handbag, they’re doing more than creating something beautiful—they’re slowly, intentionally piecing their lives back together. Each step in our process mirrors the journey of reintegration after incarceration, filled with care, reflection, and personal growth.
We begin with reclaimed wood—materials once discarded, now transformed—just like the women we serve. Using paints and dyes, each woman is encouraged to express how she’s feeling in that moment. If she’s feeling calm, she may reach for soft blues; if she's feeling bold, she might choose something brighter. It’s art that begins with emotion and grows into purpose.
Next, the assembly begins. We start by attaching the feet to the bottom of the bag—a symbolic reminder to stand tall and grounded. Then, one by one, each part is joined together, just like the women fitting together the pieces of their own lives—healing from the past, and building toward a stronger future.
Our crossbody bags include combining wood, hardware, and love. Once constructed, the inside is finished—painted or lined with leather, depending on the design—because just like people, what’s inside matters most.
These aren’t just handbags. They’re symbols of transformation, strength, and the beauty of second chances.
FLEXIBLE
SPACIOUS
STYLISH
IN THE NEWS
FOLLOW US
@BAGSTOBUTTERFLIES
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
