Not a college student anymore: Entrepreneur’s origami-inspired bags fold functionality into professional fashion

Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it.

ST. LOUIS — Founded in 2018 by Lisa Hu, St. Louis-based Lux & Nyx is a brand created by women, for women, offering luxury handbags and professional accessories that blend style and functionality.

Hu left her career in finance to solve a problem many professional women face: finding a handbag that transitions effortlessly from boardroom meetings to post-work commitments.

“I was 13 years into my career and pretty senior in my company,” she said. “I just couldn’t find a work bag that was both functional and chic.”

Hu needed something sophisticated yet practical enough to carry her laptop, documents and personal essentials.

Determined to fill this gap, she launched Lux & Nyx, a brand dedicated to crafting high-quality, multifunctional bags for women on the go.

Large Origami Tote Ultra Satin Luggage Sleeve from Lux & Nyx; courtesy photo

Designing with purpose

Hu’s experience balancing work, travel and an MBA program shaped her approach to design.

“I needed a bag that worked for different situations but still looked polished,” she said. “I didn’t want to look like a college student anymore. I wanted a bag that made me feel like a professional executive woman.”

Lux & Nyx bags combine minimalist aesthetics with practical features like weather-resistant materials, multiple compartments and structured designs. One standout collection, the Origami Series, remains one of the brand’s most complex and popular creations.

Hu’s love for origami, an art form she adored as a child, also influences the brand’s signature folded designs, blending beauty with practicality.

Lisa Hu, Lux & Nyx; courtesy photo

Finding support through SCORE

Turning her vision into reality wasn’t easy, and Hu credits much of her early success to SCORE, a nonprofit organization that provides free business mentoring, she said.

“I started creating my business plan, but I didn’t know where to go next. That’s when I found SCORE,” Hu explained.

There, she connected with mentor Dana Connon, who guided her through critical stages of her business journey.

Dana’s advice was particularly valuable when it came to manufacturing. “You have to go and travel. You have to find them,” Connon told Hu, encouraging her to visit manufacturers in China rather than relying on online suppliers.

Hu took that advice to heart, attending trade shows in China. The experience gave her the confidence to move forward with her vision for Lux & Nyx.

“If it wasn’t for Dana saying that, I don’t think I would have had the courage to take that next step,” Hu recalled.

Watching the entrepreneur’s success has been deeply rewarding, Connon said.

“Lisa started with an idea for a product, and she was willing to put in the time and effort to make it happen,” she explained.

Connon also encourages other entrepreneurs to seek mentorship through SCORE.

“They should work with their mentor by discussing the challenges they are having with each phase of their business,” she said. “The founder and mentor can then come up with solutions to overcome those challenges.”

Small Origami Tote Ultra Satin with Crossbody Strap from Lux & Nyx; courtesy photo

Reaching new professionals

In addition to designing functional bags, Hu wanted Lux & Nyx to make a positive impact, she said. Sustainability is at the core of her brand.

“We try to minimize waste,” Hu explained. “We ask our manufacturers to use over 90 percent of the material we source, and we also make sure the packaging is recyclable.”

The company also partners with women-led nonprofits, supporting causes that empower women and promote education.

Like many businesses, Lux & Nyx faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. With in-person events no longer viable, Hu had to pivot quickly.

“COVID was rough. Our business relied on in-person events, and when everything shut down, I had to figure out a new way to reach our audience,” she said.

Hu launched the “Build Together” campaign, gathering feedback from over 5,000 women on what they wanted in a bag. This data-driven approach helped refine the product line and keep the brand in tune with its audience.

Now, Lux & Nyx is expanding into unisex accessories.

“We started getting requests from companies for conference gifts, so we’re catering to that market as well,” Hu shared.

This expansion, she said, allows the brand to serve business professionals at every stage of their careers, from new graduates to executives.

A legacy beyond fashion

Hu envisions herself building more than just a handbag company, she said; as Lux & Nyx expands, she wants to create a lasting impact.

“I want to grow my business to a point where I can employ people and make a difference in their lives,” Hu added.

She aims to make Lux & Nyx the next big name in professional accessories, much like Kate Spade.

“I aspire to create something with the same personality and relatability,” Hu said of the Kansas City entrepreneur who went on to international retail and fashion fame, ultimately selling the Kate Spade brand to Coach, Inc. “Her brand had a story behind it, and it connected with people. That’s what I want for Lux & Nyx.”