KAAI: carrying your life

KAAI was founded in 2017 in Antwerp, Belgium, by Ine Verhaert and Helga Meersmans who set out to reimagine the perfect work-life bag for the eclectic woman with exquisite style standards. Before, the duo spent a lot of time travelling around the world. Rushing from one meeting to the next during their corporate careers.

Capturing the ongoing energy of the city and the ever-moving water of Antwerp, KAAI (meaning ‘the quay’ in Dutch) symbolises the fluidity of modern women, going places.

KAAI

A story of female entrepreneurs

From women, to women

“Before launching KAAI, we both worked in corporate management roles in the fashion and retail sectors. We coordinated large teams and were frequently on the go. Now, we do everything on our own – from marketing to web development and logistics,” says Ine, co-founder of KAAI. "But we are happy because our handbags are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside."

"We take inspiration from the lives and desires of successful modern women, creating bags that are both functional and fashionable, feminine and fearless," say Ine. For example, the handbags have compartments and pockets, and are structured to fit everything corporate women might need during a busy day. Altogether, KAAI aims to be an affordable luxury brand, so even the younger generations who have just started their careers can potentially afford KAAI.

Ultimately, it’s about fitting a working woman’s life into the handbag. ”

- Ine Verhaert, co-founder of KAAI

Loan in the bag

With a clear vision and years of professiona; experience, Ine and Helga set up the whole production process in less than a year. However, securing finance was another story. “Our long careers in the industry were not enough to convince the banks because fashion is not a hot topic for traditional finance” explains Ine. Nevertheless, thanks to an EU-guaranteed loan from PMV, supported by the EIF, KAAI received a loan for kick-starting the business and opening the first store in Antwerpen.

And what a journey it has been: not only has the brand grown rapidly in KAAI's home markets across Belgium and Europe, but the international recognition has also followed. "That is a very exciting step: every market is different, with different languages, cultures, and habits", say the co-founders. "Every day, we learn new things from our KAAI women and business partners across the globe".