INSIDE PARKER CLAY
Together we have written the story of Parker Clay. One back at a time we have created over 2 Million hours of empowerment for at risk women in Ethiopia.
TEN YEARS OF PARKER CLAY
Creating a better world is also about creating sustainable jobs and livelihoods for the people who run them. Every piece of our ethical leather is locally sourced in Ethiopia and handcrafted by an Ethiopian artisan using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Designed in California. Made in Ethiopia
BEST FOR THE WORLD
As a B-Corp, we're held to the highest standard of social and environmental impact. To earn the B-Corp label, a business has to be thoroughly examined and reach a minimum score of 80.
Back in 2018, we first achieved B-Corp status with a score of 89. Six years later, we've earned an incredible score of 112.
TRAVEL WITH US
When you choose to purchase from a Parker Clay, you can have a positive impact on not just the planet, but on lives too — because to us, sustainability is not just about cutting carbon emissions.
BEHIND THE BAG
As a certified B Corp business, the sustainability of our products and their impact on the world and our employees is everything to us at Parker Clay. From sustainable material sourcing to manufacturing to shipping, every one of our products is made to the highest ethical standards at every step of the supply chain.
“This is the most quality bag I’ve ever owned and for a great cause! These are amazing gifts and last a long time. This is my 4th Parker Clay bag and I’m always impressed with how nice they hold up.
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“Comfortable, sleek and great quality leather. Perfect for commuting to and from work, especially in the city. Fits my Microsoft Surface 4 Laptop (13.5”) even if I have it in the case. The small pocket on the front is convenient for smaller items like a phone (fits an iPhone 13Pro) pens, and other miscellaneous items. Definitely worth the money!
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“This bag is PERFECT ✨ Its a big enough size sling bag to fit all essentials but not feel overloaded and heavy. I appreciate all the details like good quality zippers/hardware and the fact that it’s lined inside. Another thing that’s kind of minor (but I LOVE) is that the logo isn’t front and center. This bag is such good quality — it will last for many many years to come.
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“First of all, let me say I’ll never buy a bag from another company! This is my 8th piece of Parker Clay and I absolutely love that every bag I buy supports their mission in Ethiopia! I have a slightly bigger bag and wanted something less dee that I can hang on my shoulder or drop down to a crossbody. The size is magnificent also- not too small, not too big. Talk about versatility!
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“I LOVE this color green 💚!! I wore the Avila Mini out to dinner with friends the other night and the size looks so petite but it fit everything I needed- wallet, phone, lip gloss, keys and glasses!! Quality is impeccable. Love it!
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Timeline
2010
Where We Started
Our first visits to Ethiopia changed our lives forever. We adopted our daughter, Selah. We talked with locals and businesses about opportunities for change and began to think about people and purpose.
2012
The Big Move
We dove in! We moved to Addis Ababa, began our work with Ellilta Women At Risk, and adopted our second daughter, Abby. While on the hunt for a perfect birthday gift, we discovered beautiful leather goods that told a rich history. The cogs began to turn
2013
An Idea Was Born
Could we bring beautiful Ethiopian leather to the world, create ethical employment for women at risk, and support local, sustainable leather production – all at once? We believed we could, and set out to prove it.
2014
Open For Business
Parker Clay was official! Friends in the US helped us with a website and used their homes to receive and ship our earliest orders. We launched with an emphasis on our Rust Brown collection, a true favorite in Ethiopia and our best effort to unite East African style and Californian design for the first time.
2017
Growth Spurt
With tremendous support from our community, 2017 became a big year. We hired staff for our new brick-and-mortar store in Santa Barbara, hired marketing, customer service, and operations pros to build our online business, and shifted our products to a real warehouse (not our garage).
2024
Exist to Empower
Our growth around the globe makes change in Ethiopia. By 2024, we had 50+ employees in our Addis Ababa factory – over 80% of whom are women. Celebrity collaborations and big mentions from American press outlets helped us dream even bigger!