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Julie Willis, the founder of Zendira, wearing the popular Friday bag

Founder’s Note: How Zendira Became the Leading Luxury Concealed Carry Brand for Women

When I started Zendira, I didn’t have a roadmap. There wasn’t a how-to guide for creating luxury concealed carry bags for women because no one had done it in a way that truly lasted. A few brands had tried, but they came and went. They couldn’t sustain the quality, the vision, or the connection with real women who carry. The market was still full of bulky tactical bags or fashion purses that ignored function entirely.

Women like me were left asking: Where’s the option that actually works for us?

I couldn’t find it, so I created it.

Zendira was born out of that gap between beauty and utility, confidence and safety. From the beginning, it’s been about designing something for women who refuse to choose between style and preparedness. And it’s been about holding our ground in two industries that aren’t always kind to women: fashion and firearms.

If you’ve ever shopped for a handbag and thought, “This won’t work for how I carry,” you’re not alone. That frustration is exactly why I designed the Friday Concealed Carry Belt Bag, the first of its kind to prioritize comfort, access, and everyday style.

The firearms world has often treated women like an afterthought. For decades, gear was designed by men, for men, with “shrink it and pink it” passed off as progress. And in fashion, firearms aren’t even part of the conversation. They’re too controversial, too misunderstood, too off-brand for the luxury space. That tension, that space between protection and polish, is exactly where Zendira thrives. Because we don’t believe women should have to compromise.

I say “we” because while I may have started this brand, Zendira has always been about more than me. It’s about the women who carry. The women who train. The women who want their bags to match their standards and their lives. It’s about building a community of women who are ready for anything, whether that means walking into a meeting or walking out into the wilderness.

That readiness is reflected in every design. If you’ve explored our Saturday Concealed Carry Bag, you know what I mean. The parallel draw system, the taller firearm compartment, and the luxe details come together to support women who don’t settle. Women who expect more.

Every bag we make tells that story. Our leathers are hand-selected. Our straps are cut-resistant. Our compartments are designed for smooth, safe access whether you're right- or left-handed. And the thought behind every stitch reflects the one thing our customers know better than anyone: details matter.

But there’s another layer here. Zendira is also a story of staying power. This is a space where others have tried and failed. Where trends have fizzled out. Where it would have been easier to give up, to blend in, to play it safe. But that’s never been who I am, and it’s not who Zendira is either. We’re still here because we never stopped listening to what women really need. And we never stopped delivering on it.

Four years in, we’re not just surviving, we’re growing. Zendira is expanding beyond concealed carry into travel-ready handbags, accessories, and even jewelry. We’re becoming a full lifestyle brand built around elevated function, thoughtful design, and timeless confidence. But we’ll never lose sight of why we started. This is still about the woman who carries. The woman who plans ahead. The woman who walks with purpose.

Thanks for being one of them.
— Julie

P.S. Want to see more behind the scenes? Follow us on TikTok or join the email list for exclusive drops, updates, and stories you won’t want to miss.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired you to start Zendira?
A few brands had tried creating luxury concealed carry bags for women, but they didn’t last. I couldn’t find a solution that offered both beauty and function, so I built it myself.

How does Zendira stand out from other concealed carry bag brands?
Zendira is designed by women, for women. We combine hand-selected materials, cut-resistant straps, and smooth-access compartments with thoughtful style. No bulky tactical gear. No compromise.

What makes Zendira’s designs functional for everyday carry?
Our bags are built for real life. From left- and right-handed draw access to secure compartments that don’t scream “gun bag,” everything is intentional and elevated.

What else is Zendira working on?
We’re expanding into travel bags, leather accessories, and jewelry that reflect our same design values: timeless confidence, everyday readiness, and premium quality.

How can I follow along or be part of the Zendira community?
Follow us on TikTok, sign up for emails, or join us at events like the A Girl & A Gun conference. We love connecting with women who are ready for anything.