After graduating and beginning her career as an accountant, Owens soon learned the ins-and-outs of the retail and luxury goods manufacturing industries, trailblazing a career for herself with high-end, made in California handbags that are attracting attention internationally for their beachy-vibes and made-to-order, uncompromised quality. 

Self-made handbag master and owner of Zaneta Owens brands, her company specializes in French and Italian leathers that have unique patterns and are exclusively made in California.

Zaneta Owens has been featured in over 10 publications including February 2019 British Vogue. We recently caught up with Zaneta to discuss her success and of course, Deltasig. 

Q: When did your love for handbags/designer goods begin? 
My love for handbags didn't manifest itself until I first completed the sample of my first design, the Victoria bag. 

Q: When studying at San Diego State, was owning your own designer handbag brand always a dream for you? When did you first realize this is what you wanted to do for a living? 
When attending San Diego State I knew I wanted to own a business but I didn't know what. Becoming a fashion designer was far from my thoughts. I joined Delta Sigma Pi knowing my entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to fine tune my skills in the meantime. It wasn't until I experienced working knowledge of manufacturing and retail that I began to find myself in the fashion industry. 

Q: When did you create the brand? What was the process of going from a dream to making the idea a reality? 
I created the Zaneta Owens brand in 2013, well after the creation of the original company in 2011. The company evolved from a resale site to becoming its own brand. The process was long and fashion is a tough business where not all dreams come true. I have been fortunate enough to be blessed with a wonderful mentor and opportunities.

Q: How did you feel when you sold your very first handbag? What has the response been like to your company?
The first bag I sold was my first design, the Victoria purse. It is an amazing feeling having another admire and appreciate my design and quality.

Q: So far, what has been your greatest accomplishment?
The greatest accomplishment Zaneta Owens has done is partner with local San Diego dog rescuers and families to help provide supplies and whatever is necessary to dogs in need. Currently, five percent of all monthly sales goes to support these dogs. Press wise, Zaneta Owens has recently been featured in Vogue UK's February 2019 issue. We are also excited to be a part of their exclusive designers list! 

Q: What was your time like as a Deltasig? What did you learn from being a member you carried with you into the business world as an entrepreneur?
My experience in Deltasig changed my life. Besides developing lifelong friendships and opportunities, the most influential experience that I've carried with me my whole business career is the ability to socialize yet talk business in a professional environment. 

Q: How do you design a new bag? What are some factors you take into consideration when designing? 
Designing a new purse for the Zaneta Owens line has to first meet our style guidelines which then we consider the current fashion trends. Staying true to our style and what embodies a Zaneta Owens purse is most important to our brand. The key factor is complementing a woman's body adding beauty and sophistication. Many of our customers have been known to say that they have bought their first "big girl" purse.

Q: What advice would you give a brother who is struggling to bridge the gap between a dream and making it a career?
Before you make your dream into a career, take time away from everything and decide if you truly believe in your dream. If you don't believe in what you do, no one else will.

Q: Where would you like to see your brand in five years?
Wow, in five years so many things, especially in fashion, can change. Right now, we would love to see the brand increase in visibility and increase the service we can provide to the community, such as our charity for dogs in need. 

Learn more: www.zanetaowens.com