Brennen Ogawa is the founder and creative director of Bags + Stella, a California-based lifestyle brand. Founded in 2019, Bags + Stella specializes in home décor and accents for your daily life, like hand-poured candles and all-natural spa products. Learn about Brennen Ogawa…
Hometown: I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and moved to California in 2016.
First job: The glamorous life of data entry as a student in college.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in CA: Spending time with friends, wine tasting in Napa and lounging around with the namesakes of our company, our two French Bulldogs, Bags + Stella.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Starting Bags + Stella. As an event professional, I was always looking for that creative outlet to showcase my love of décor and design. Bags + Stella has given me the opportunity to travel, source and meet incredibly diverse and creative makers.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Learning to accept my flaws and embrace myself. I know that can sound cliché, but once you can love who you are, you open yourself up to so many amazing opportunities.
Someone who inspires you and why: Other small business owners I come across. These makers, builders and tastemakers hone their craft, share their passions and create one-of-a-kind goods and services for the betterment of their communities.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Celebrate the small wins, whether it’s getting your first order or launching a new product. These are all milestones that should be acknowledged. Take each day as it comes, and don’t be afraid to take time for yourself.
Favorite quote: “It’s through mistakes that you actually can grow. You have to get bad in order to get good.” –Paula Scher. Mistakes and mishaps will happen; it’s how you learn and deal with adversity that makes you stronger.
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m an avid plant dad/gardener. It’s my escape and my quiet time to reflect and refocus.
What makes someone fabulous: A positive outlook and willingness to step outside our molds. Being uncomfortable and pushing ourselves gives us the opportunity to learn and grow!