OUR STORY
How did TOTESFORYOUU begin? Let's go back to the start...
TFY began in one of the most uncertain times in April 2020, during the first UK lockdown. I had just finished my A-Level exams and, truthfully, had no idea what I wanted to do next. I was working part-time in a supermarket, trying to figure things out, when a simple idea came to me: what if I started hand-embroidering designs onto tote bags?
With £25, I ordered a few supplies and got to work. I shared the process on TikTok, and to my surprise, the response was incredible. So many people supported the idea and wanted to see this small business grow. That encouragement gave me the confidence to keep going.
By June 2020, I launched a website and began expanding the brand from my bedroom. I quit my supermarket job, invested in an embroidery machine, moved into a small studio, and started designing a wider range of products.
Now, five years later, TFY is everything I once dreamed of. Every product is still designed by me (which I absolutely love!) from our home, and orders are lovingly packaged with the help of my amazing friends and family. We’ve grown, but the heart of TFY has stayed the same: thoughtful, original designs created with care, from concept to packaging.
Our Design Philosophy
Every TFY product begins with a need, not just an idea. When I started designing, I wanted to create bags that solved real problems because I was frustrated by how impractical most totes were.
Since 2023, we’ve refined our focus to blend function with style. Bags that not only look good but also make everyday life easier. From key leashes to laptop sleeves, bottle pockets and organised interiors, every feature is thoughtfully considered.
Each collection is inspired by real life…work, travel, parenthood. Designed for everyday.
The Brand
TOTESFORYOUU is an independent brand creating multifunctional totes designed to fit every part of your day. More than just a bag, each tote is made to move with you from work to errands, coffee runs to weekend adventures. Thoughtfully designed, versatile, and stylish, our totes prove that function and fashion can live side by side. As a small brand, we value individuality, quality, and creativity, putting heart into every piece we create.
The Factory
At the end of 2023, we found our current manufacturer based in Guangdong. A region widely recognised as one of the world’s leading manufacturing hubs for bags and leather goods.
Our factory is a smaller run team of around 30 employees, which allows us to work closely together on every design. We chose them because we both truly care about each other’s businesses. They want to see TFY grow, and we care deeply about everyone who helps bring our products to life.
We first partnered with them in late 2023 to develop our Corduroy Tote Bag, and we were immediately blown away by the craftsmanship and attention to detail. We’d previously worked with other suppliers around the world, including the UK, but nothing compared to the skill set and precision we experienced here.
From Sketch To Sample
Our collaboration continued into 2024 with the creation of the Liberty Bag. What began as an idea and a quick sketch with measurements on my kitchen table became reality through the incredible skill of our technician. Who has over 20 years of experience in the bag industry.
Each bag starts as a paper/grid template before moving into sampling. This stage is crucial: every stitch, seam, and structure is refined through multiple sampling rounds until it’s perfect. We create bags with purpose, ensuring each design balances practicality and style before it moves into production.
Our factory has been operating for over 15 years, and many of the team members have been there for more than a decade. It’s common in their culture for family members to join… partners, siblings, and even parents. Creating a real sense of community and pride in their work.
During our 2025 visit, we had the chance to watch one of our new bags being made. Seeing the precision and care that goes into every piece reminded us just how much craftsmanship defines TFY.
Quality control is a shared value. Every bag is thoroughly checked before it’s packed. Currently, all TFY bags are produced with this same trusted manufacturer, and if this ever changes, we’ll be transparent in updating our community.
Visiting Guangdong
In 2025, we travelled to Guangdong to meet our manufacturing partners in person and to see our designs in production. Although we’d seen countless videos of the process, nothing compared to watching a vision that started at home come to life right in front of us.
Developing a new design usually takes three to six months from concept to production. Visiting the factory in person allowed us to review samples, make amendments on the spot, and speed up the process significantly.
We also explored the fabric markets together. Sourcing materials, discovering new textures, and collecting colour books for future collections. The market was huge, filled with every print, fabric, and finish imaginable.
After a full day of designing, our manufacturers treated us to a traditional Chinese dinner, where we got to know their families better (they’re big fans of Clarkson’s Farm and were so excited to hear we live nearby!).
Going forward, we plan to visit our factory every year to continue strengthening our relationship and to keep developing designs side by side.
Personal Note from founder Maisie Crompton
Thank you for being part of this journey. Every order supports a small, female-founded business with a big dream… to make functional, beautiful bags that become part of your everyday life.
A special thank you goes to my family and friends. While TFY has been led by me, I couldn’t have done it without their constant support, from helping dispatch hundreds of orders to modelling bags on launch days.
We’re so glad you’re here, and we hope TFY becomes part of your story, just as you’ve become part of ours.
If there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to drop me an email at totesforyouu@gmail.com - I always love hearing from you!
Frequently asked questions
How much is shipping?
STANDARD SHIPPING (2-5 WORKING DAYS) IS £3.99 GBP. EXPRESS SHIPPING (1-2 WORKING DAYS) IS £5.99 GBP
When will my order be dispatched?
All orders are dispatched within 3 - 5 working days
How can I make changes to my order?
If you spot any mistakes in your order, need to change any address details or products, please contact us on totesforyouu@gmail.com within 2 hours of placing your order. Unfortunately we cannot make any changes once your order has been dispatched.
My product has arrived faulty, what do I do?
So sorry about this! Please email us at totesforyouu@gmail.com with your order number, a description and photos of the fault. I will do my best to resolve the issue for you.
How can I sign up for pre-order?
No need to sign up! Just be on our website for the time stated on our socials and pre-order will be available. With pre-order you pay at the time of ordering.