02 Jan 2026
Our 2025 Story
A note from Roanne: Our 2025 story
A Year of Resilience, Growth & Gratitude
Dear SABEN Community,
As I sit down to reflect on 2025, I'm reminded that the most meaningful years are rarely the easiest ones. This year has asked a lot of us—of our team, our industry, and perhaps you too. The polycrisis we're all navigating—economic uncertainty, climate challenges, shifting consumer landscapes—has been real and relentless. And yet, here we are. Still standing. Still creating. Still showing up for each other.
That resilience? It's because of you.
This year, we felt the financial strain that many businesses are grappling with. There were hard decisions, sleepless nights, and moments when we had to dig deep to remember why we do this work. But in those moments, I kept coming back to the same truth: SABEN has never just been about bags. It's about the hands that craft them, the stories they carry, and the community that believes in doing business differently.
And what a year of growth it's been, even amidst these challenges.
We became B Corp certified—a milestone that affirms our commitment to using business as a force for good. This wasn't just a badge; it was validation of years of intentional choices about how we treat our people, our planet, and our partners.
We ventured into new territory with the launch of eyewear—a category that felt both thrilling and terrifying. Your response gave us the affirmation we needed, and we can not wait to share more in 2026. I am excited about what's ahead.
We broke records we didn't expect to break. Our first foray into Black Friday brought an unprecedented November. Our Workroom Sale reminded us why in-person connection matters so much—seeing your faces, hearing your stories, feeling the energy of this community gathered together.
We collaborated with incredible partners; from our second collection with Blunt to a beautiful partnership with Nagnata that took us to Australian Fashion Week (our very first time on that runway!). These partnerships remind us that we're stronger together.
We gave back alongside you. Partnering with Experience Gold Coast for an incredible giveaway, and most meaningfully; furnishing an entire home with Woven Earth for women and children rebuilding their lives after domestic violence. This work matters deeply to us.
And we said goodbye to two of our own; Lizzie and Taylor, both with us for a decade. They're woven into every thread of SABEN's story. Watching Lizzie step into her own dream with her vintage bridal brand, and Taylor head overseas for her next adventure, was bittersweet. Letting people grow, even when it means letting them go, is part of building a business with soul.
To our team - you are extraordinary. The way you've shown up this year, through every challenge, with such care and commitment, moves me. Thank you for believing in what we're building.
To our retail partners - you are the heartbeat of our brand in communities across the country. Your trust in us, your championing of our products, your feedback and friendship means everything.
To our customers - you are why we do this. Every choice you make to support us, to carry our bags, to share your stories, to show up at our sales, to engage with our posts is not lost on us. In a world of infinite options, you choose us. That's not something I take lightly.
As we head into 2026, I'm not going to pretend I know what's coming. None of us do. But I know this: we'll face it together, with intention, with integrity, and with immense gratitude for this community we've built.
Thank you for a year I'll never forget.
With love and appreciation,
Roanne
Founder, SABEN
