About
Viris was officially launched in 2008. The owner, Lister Kom, supported by his family and friends hails from a small village, Qoboqobo (Keiskammahoek), in the Eastern Cape. Educationally, I completed my tertiary studies at UCT. I started 'handbagging' as a hobby, as I have always enjoyed working with my hands. It was a challenge to start up, but eventually I taught myself through books and making LOTS of mistakes. Over the years, I've learnt that patience and persistence truly go a long way. Reiterating the words of my book coach, Linda McGehee, sewing has truly become an adventure for me. There's always something new to be learnt.
Our designs are inspired by various sources e.g. magazines, shop displays and what's carried around. Each of our bags is unique, as we only purchase 1 or 2 metres of each fabric/leather at a time. In other words, we do not mass-produce. Each bag is individualised to the client's taste. How many times have you stopped to ask a shop assistant to tell you more about the handbag and they simply shrug their shoulders? Well, at viRis, rest assured. We offer our clients the opportunity to interact with the 'person behind the product'. This is possible through face to face discussion, email or via our forum. Our clients are free to discuss anything relating to our handbags, thereby enabling them to make informed choices. We also take kindly in receiving constructive critcism.
The aim of the business is to give our clients the liberty to design their own bags (ethi wena qha!), based on pre-made (demo) samples. The process would entail:
- Choosing your handbag style
- Choosing your fabric/leather from our wide range (you can provide your own material should you wish to do so)
- Choosing your labelling (having our logo inside or outside)
- Choosing your notions (embellishments)
- Choosing your preferred bag closure (zip, magnetic snap, flap)
- Choosing your handle size (length, width)
Once you've designed your handbag, simply place an order and your handbag(s) will be ready in about 3-4 weeks, depending on the waiting list. If we are unable to supply your handbag(s) within this time period, we will notify you promptly. Ordering can be done on the website via the email order form or else you can send an email directly to us. As an assurance, before we start working on your handbag, we will give you a courtesy call to confirm details of your order. If you require a handbag urgently e.g. for a special occasion, you're more than welcome to hire any of our demo bags for R25 per day.
Our philosophy (isigqi sethu) is simple, if you're not pleased with your purchase, we are also not pleased. We guarantee our workmanship on our handbags, if it tears under normal usage, we will gladly repair or replace it at no cost. In our business, we have only one value which encompasses all we do...intergrity. That's it! What we've promised, we will honour it, even if it costs us.
