LET GO. LIVE LIFE. FLY!
Bags to Butterflies vision is all about transformation.
We are dedicated to giving our women and materials a new, vibrant chance at life.
MICHELLE SMART
Hi! I’m Michelle Smart, founder of Bags to Butterflies!
Did you know that over 200,000 women are incarcerated in the U.S., and many face extreme challenges upon release such as finding housing, employment, and support? At Bags to Butterflies, we are dedicated to helping these women rebuild their lives.
In 2014, I received the news that the daughter of a close family friend was going to prison and my devastation inspired me to build something that can support other women in her position. Since then, we’ve followed our mission to provide a transformative community where women can heal, grow, and thrive. Through skill-building programs, housing referrals, financial literacy courses, and a supportive network, we empower women—our "butterflies"—to shed the baggage of their past and embrace a brighter future.
With your support, we’ve already assisted numerous women’s expansion beyond the cocoon with confidence and purpose. Together, we can create a welcoming community that will provide a lasting change in women's lives.
Keep Scrolling to See How We Empower Women Through Fashion!
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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.
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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.
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BRENDA
Brenda is a former Bags to Butterfly designer who enjoys doing abstract art.
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![Pam]()
PAM
Pam is a former Bags to Butterflies designer who proudly served in the U.S. Army.
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![Candace]()
CANDACE
Candace loves to let her creativity shine through in her work. She designs her own jewelry using semi-precious stones.
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SHELLY
Shelley is dedicated to the program and the butterfly family. She loves usig her hands to create one-of-a-kind handbags.
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![Ms. Willie]()
MS. WILLIE
Willie is a Butterfly Fabricator, who makes the butterflies that you receive with every purchase and contribution.
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![LETICIA]()
LETICIA
Leticia loves using her hands to express herself through art.
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![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.
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![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.”
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![Heavenly Angel Robin]()
HEAVENLY ANGEL - ROBIN
Robin created and mastered a technique to mix the unique dye and paint colors.
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![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
When the women put the pieces of the bag together they are also putting together the pieces of their lives. Each step in our creation process is intentional, as are the actions of our butterflies who are going through each step of the reintegration process after prison.
We create one-of-a-kind bags through our one-of-a-kind creation process. We start with the wood slabs. The women use paints and dyes and a painting technique to create our handbags and accessories. They’re encouraged to choose based on how they’re feeling that day. For example, go for blue if you’re feeling blue.
After this, the bags are finally put together. We start by adding feet to the bottom of the bags encouraging the women to start by standing strong. Then the pieces of the bag are put together – like the women putting together the puzzle that is their lives. They start with the sides of the bag and move from there. Our crossbody consists of 17 pieces, including wood and hardware. After the handbag is constructed the inside is painted and or lined with leather depending on the style of the bag.
FLEXIBLE
SPACIOUS
STYLISH
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