How it all began

It all began in 2015 when the founder, Shirley, purchased a beautiful canvas Giclée framed art piece from a local outdoor furniture store. The quality and clarity of the piece were like nothing she had ever seen. She inquired into the origins of the piece and was told the shop keeper purchased it, as well as others, from a vendor at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago who did not want to schlep them back home out West. The shop keeper thought the art pieces would create a great atmosphere for his showroom. He also knew he would eventually sell them. It was late spring and Shirley was creating a welcoming environment for the outdoor space at her home. She thought the piece would add a unique touch and ambiance to her outdoor space.

The framed art piece was hung on the outside of her home that spring. The piece remains there today through rain, sleet, snow, and hail as well as western exposure direct sunlight; and still looks beautiful.

Giclée Printed

Shirley had always appreciated beautiful unique pieces and was really taken by the staying power of the canvas Giclée printed art piece. It was 2017 and Shirley was thinking of her son who was entering his junior year in high school and wondered what she might do when he would eventually go off to college. Would she return to her 22+ year career in the packaging industry or pursue something different.

In the fall of 2017 Shirley began to research canvas and canvas Giclée prints and printing. She wanted to create unique products that would look amazing and last. She also wanted to design products that were “custom” but also user friendly. She wanted to make the beauty of canvas Giclée printed pieces available in products other than framed works of art. So, Shirley had a patent search conducted and found there was no patent on having canvas Giclée prints used in everyday products. She then filed a provisional patent on her idea and her patent is pending. A canvas Giclée print of your choosing can be of one’s own original art work, photograph or other treasure (one’s family: babies, children, grandchildren, family pets: dogs, cats, horses, birds). The images are deeply personal and therefore; the possibilities are endless. This is the story of the birth of Mybragbag.com™

The Future of the Aleva

Aleva, Inc. is the corporation behind Mybragbag.com™; named for Shirley’s late father Albert and her paternal grandmother Eva who both are very influential in her life.

All my brag bags™ are made from imported and US made materials. All the canvas Giclée prints are printed in the USA. The bags are all assembled and sewn in the USA by local artisans. A challenge Shirley recognizes, but she thinks it’s possible and important. She thinks her customers will think so too.