how the keote went from a sketch to reality

welcome to the fold

a founder series sharing how keote got started and the stories along the way. want updates in real time? join our newsletter 💌

part 1: how one little sketch changed my life

I was cleaning out my office recently and was about to toss an old work notebook—one from my 9-5 days in healthcare PR that feels like a lifetime ago. Before dropping it in the recycling bin, I flipped through the pages, past the daily to-dos: “research X medical condition, pitch Y outlets, write Z press release…”

Then I stopped. On the back of a page were the very first keote sketches. Drawn over three years ago. No gold bar, a totally different tote shape. Just a simple idea. Seeing them took me right back to when keote was just a concept I’d daydream about and ramble to my husband about—convinced it was something special.

From the beginning, I knew I didn’t want the keote to be just another bag. It had to be a true investment piece—something chic and durable, that would actually make everyday life easier. That meant slowing down instead of rushing to launch. I spent over a year going back and forth with manufacturers, testing fabrics, rejecting prototypes, and hunting for the perfect details: nylon that folds down tiny but still holds a grocery haul, vegan leather that’s supple yet recycled, hardware that’s tarnish-resistant in just the right shade of gold.

Fast forward to today—thousands of keotes are out in the world, doing exactly what I imagined back then. I don’t take that lightly. I thank God every single day for this business, for the opportunity, and for all of you who’ve been part of the journey.

And just maybe… there’s another notebook filling up with new sketches right now. Ideas and dreams in the works. I can’t wait for the day I get to share them with you.

love & blessings,
Rachael

Ready to elevate your everyday? shop our collection →