BUSINESS
Maria Argyropoulos’ Pasadena pop-up store, m.andonia, retails locally made purses, jewelry and accessories.
For a Good Cause Entrepreneur starts m.andonìa for the greater good
M.andonia’s hand sewn bags are available in a variety of designs and styles.
o say Maria Argyropoulos loves her pop-up, designer handbag shop, is an understatement. “We loved the space, we loved the people, and we loved the area,” she says. “So, we stayed — that was a year ago.” Sitting in One Colorado at 15 Douglas Alley in Pasadena, m.andonìa is redefining the meaning of “pop up.” The store — with its locally made purses, jewelry and accessories, many of which are sourced in DTLA — opened in November 2020 and is planning on staying in One Colorado for several more months. Argyropoulos’ bags are designed, hand sewn, manufactured and shipped out of her parents’ 30-year-old Burbank-based facility Golden Fleece Designs Inc. Argyropoulos ships around the world to clients who have included Halle Berry, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston and Tyra Banks. M.andonìa bags range from small evening bags to totes and overnight bags. The 2021 collection features chain crossbody bags emphasizing colorful patterns, such as zebra prints and yellow formals, while the best-selling crossbody is marked by a modern Evil Eye. The bags are also
Photos submitted
T
By Jordan Houston
34 | ARROYO | 01.22
34-m.andonia.indd 34
12/30/21 1:33 PM
