Wyncote residents Shannon and Paulo DeOliveira, Wyncote got the idea for their new business during a 2019 trip to Brazil, writes Lisa Dukart for The Business Journals.

The couple was visiting Paulo’s hometown of Fortaleza when they noticed local artisans selling handcrafted bags.

Unlike most bags they had seen before, these were made using reclaimed wood.

They decided there was room for something so unique in the local retail market and began making plans for starting their new business. However their plans were delayed by the pandemic, but by February 2021, ShanPaulo had officially debuted.

The bags they sell are a true labor of love.

“A 17-inch purse takes about 72 hours to make,” said Paulo.

Retailing between $220 and $350 with several Hollywood stars—including Anna Paquin and Jessica Alba—having already snatched up their own.

A big part of the couple’s mission is to give back.

The business supports small artisans in Brazil and the owners also donate to several nonprofits, including One Tree Planted, Global Green, and Women Against Abuse.

They have so far recorded around $45,000 in revenue and are now hoping to be able to turn this into their full-time jobs.

Read more about ShanPaulo in The Business Journals.