"It’s a collaborative effort," she says. A team of designers alongside Joanna come up with the beautiful details and style of the bag. Her partner, Raul, is more on the technical side of design. He makes sure that the designs agree with its function and its construction must not compromise durability.
Joanna herself is a full-time mom, businesswoman and designer. Her bag of the moment is a white, oversized tote in distressed leather. In it is everything she needs for the day – iPOD, kids’ exam schedules, her "mommy gel" (hand sanitizer) and a million other things. She can stuff her sweater inside and still have room for more. She’ll take it with her to the gym, can carry it around the mall and still, it looks stylish.
She sums up Tint bags as "bags with character." Each bag on display carries a kind of attitude and richness to it. The boutique carries a wide range of bags in different shapes, styles and sizes, but the more distinct quality of these bags are the little details, the rich juxtaposition of materials, and that innate quality in each bag which Joanna loves.
When asked if she owned a lot of bags, she happily admits, "I get high on my own supply."
When asked about what kind of woman she has in mind when she designs her bags, she says that a Tint bag is for anyone who appreciates fresh designs and different materials. She likes it when women carry themselves with confidence. It’s really that confidence that will make any style work.
• While every woman is different, there is still the element of proportion. A woman can be long and lean, curvy, petite, etc. But no matter what shape or size you are, always remember that your bag is an accessory, not the highlight. If you’re petite, make sure your bag doesn’t shroud you. But if you prefer big bags, those with shorter straps work best. Curvy women should take care that their bag doesn’t rest where the bulges are, and opt for bags that can be hand-held. And while Joanna thinks tall women can get away with practically anything, her favorite look for them is the messenger bag, with the strap worn diagonally.
• Too much of everything is not a good thing. Instead, Joanna likes a "deconstructed" look. This basically means mixing different elements to offset each style. For example, the combination of a classic, structured element with something softer and more feminine. Real life examples? Think: Nicole Kidman and Sienna Miller.
• But you should still manage to look "pulled together." There are times when a gal just wants to step out in something that’s loose and doesn’t hug the body (admit it, we all have those days). But no matter what, she should make sure that everything is still in place. "I still wear jeans and sneakers to go out, but never with a huge, loose top. It’ll look like pambahay," says Joanna. A nice, structured bag with interesting details or a standout color will give any casual attire a nice pulled-together look.
• Confidence is key. At the end of the day, what makes a bag work (or any piece you wear, for that matter) is the woman who carries it. Why do you think so many women who are in the simplest, non-trendy outfits still manage to look gorgeous? Confidence. It takes a certain knowledge of what you like and what works for you to make you look great. That’s exactly what Joanna enjoys seeing, and is the main inspiration behind her line of Tint bags.