Sam Cupples runs BrawBags along with her husband Steve

What’s the story of how your brand began?

It all started with a chance encounter between an American gal and a Scottish fella and ended with a quirky tote bag. I met Steve while I was on holiday in Scotland in 2016. Neither of us will admit to it being love at first sight, but it very likely was as we proceeded to test the boundaries of international cell phone data limits from the day we met.

In 2018, we eloped to Gretna Green and I relocated permanently from the US to Paisley, bringing my wee dug, Stanley, along. As part of my Scottish assimilation, Steve started teaching me all the best Scots slang and the idea for BrawBags was seeded.

The National:

Party Burns signature tote bag, £10, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BrawBagsShop

I’ve always been fascinated with language and regional dialect. I was raised in the southern Appalachian region of the US – which boasts its own unique and quirky regional slang – so I really embraced the Scots slang I was learning about. Patter truly is an art form here in Scotland, and I was all in.

I also love learning about Scottish history and heritage – I mean, there are existing pubs in Scotland that are older than my birth country! Such a long and varied history creates a depth and richness of culture and traditions. Steve often jokes that he’s seen and experienced more of his own country in the last few years spent with me than in his whole life prior. Joking aside, I think he’d probably admit that experiencing Scotland through my (mostly awestruck) eyes has deepened his own appreciation for his heritage.

The National:

Yes Queen all-purpose clutch, £12, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BrawBagsShop

The concept for BrawBags really started to bloom when we decided to create a cotton tote bag as a party gift for our post-elopement celebration. We had such fun developing illustrations that celebrated Scottish icons and Scots patter, it was a challenge to select just one for our celebration. So, armed with that first batch of beloved designs, a cheeky belter of a name, and a clear vision for the types of products we’d want to offer, we just went for it.

We officially launched BrawBags in August 2019. It continues to be our love letter to each other and to Scotland. We are having fun on this journey as business and life partners, and we’re excited to keep growing and evolving our wee brand.

What do you make?

BrawBags designs and creates fun, everyday accessories that celebrate Scottish heritage and patter, while also helping folks reduce their single-use plastic waste and take small steps towards helping the planet. We hope to do good while having good fun.

Our core product range includes 100% cotton canvas tote bags and zippered pouches, along with BPA chemical-free plastic keep cups that are also fully recyclable. These core products are intended for long term re-use as an alternative to single use plastic. We also create some fun items like pocket mirrors and wee collectible brooches and badges

The National:

Hip Coo reusable keep cup, £15, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BrawBagsShop

How do you come up with designs?

I’ve always got a wee notebook with me, and am constantly jotting down new Scots slang I come across, as well as interesting bits of Scottish history and lore I discover. With our designs, we like to pair a Scottish icon or historical figure with popular Scots slang phrases (and sometimes we’ll throw in American-isms as a nod to our own trans-Atlantic relationship). We’re always referencing the ideas notebook, so there are always new ideas in the works. Steve calls me the creative mastermind, and I call him the Scottish fact-checker. For a design to make it to our full collection, it has to resonate with both of us.

The National:

Nessie brooch and badge set, £10, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BrawBagsShop

What sets you apart from other makers?

I think we’ve hit that sweet spot on the Venn diagram between Scots patter merchandise and eco-friendly products. The BrawBags take on patter is also filtered through the lens of our cross-cultural relationship. So, I hope that my genuine appreciation of Scots patter and banter, and of Scottish culture as a newly minted Scot by marriage, helps remind folks – local and further afield – how unique and wonderful this country is.

What are your most popular products?

Our product range is highly focused by design, and thankfully the core products we offer have all resonated with customers. We’re especially fond of our BrawBrew Reusable Keep Cups, because they are BPA chemical-free and fully recyclable. And, of course, the namesake signature tote bag will always be a favourite.

The National:

Alba Forever all-purpose clutch, £12, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BrawBagsShop

Of our current designs, there are definitely some best sellers. Party Burns – our cheeky, irreverent take on Robert Burns, and one of the first designs we created – is always a hit. People are also really drawn to Hip Coo because how can you not love a hairy coo? And, Lady Boss – our loving homage to Mary, Queen of Scots – definitely resonates with our female customers. Steve – Mr BrawBags, as it were – wants it on record that our Alba Forever Unicorn design is his top pick.

BrawBags is offering National readers 10% off Party Burns products for Burns Night. Just enter PARTYBURNS21 at the checkout of their Etsy shop between now and January 25.