Meet Shelley Narsete | Female Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelley Narsete and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I grew up with my dad and my aunts owning their own creative businesses so I saw firsthand the hardwork, hardships and satisfaction of having your own company. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset – great at coming up with business ideas, like a lot of people. But, I never had one that I felt passionate enough to pursue…until Apposé.

A few years ago, I was going through TSA PreCheck for an early morning flight, and the line was backed up. There were a lot of business women traveling. As we waited for our bags, I noticed we all had the same carry-on bag. It was like a real life version of Who Wore It Better-only the answer was “none of us”. In fact, I almost grabbed someone else’s by mistake. I felt like a sheep – no individuality (even though I think sheep are adorable).

Later, my rep picked me up a the airport with a similar bag, and we both walked into a meeting carrying the same thing. On my flight back from San Francisco to Denver, I started sketching. I wanted a bag that I could carry my laptop and meeting essentials in, something chic enough to transition into a clutch for happy hour, and a hands-free option for when I was running through the airport. I wanted it to elevate my outfit, reflect me, and be customizable. I was asking for a lot, which I learned when I tried to find something like it to buy. I couldn’t. Especially something that was high quality.

So, I reached out to manufacturers to make my dream bag. This was a process and I’ll spare all of you the details. I wore it for a few years, and everywhere I went, I got compliments and asked “Where did you get that”. One of my favorite side effects of the design is that with the wrist handle and crossbody option, I feel incredibly safe walking in busy areas. This wasn’t something I considered initially, but after wearing the bag around the globe, it’s become one of my favorite things about it. After some life events happened, I decided to partner with an amazing Italian manufacturer, produce it in limited quantities and share with the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I definitely didn’t take the easiest path to get here, but it was the right path—my path. Growing up in a small town in northern Idaho, I stuck to ‘safe’ choices—living close to home to attend college, choosing a steady career in education—until I realized ‘safe’ didn’t make me happy. At 34, I took a leap: I moved to a new city with just one contact, jumped into the beauty industry I’d always admired, and quickly discovered how taking risks can open doors in ways you never imagined. That experience gave me the courage to start Apposé.

Launching a brand meant facing new challenges: finding a manufacturer who shared my vision was tougher than I expected, and assembling the right team—from a photographer to capture the brand’s essence, to a website designer who could bring it to life—was essential to telling Apposé’s story. I learned to trust my intuition, embrace creativity, and lean on my incredible support system, especially my husband, Dan, who’s been my biggest cheerleader.

The concept for Apposé was inspired by my own struggles as a frequent traveler looking for a stylish, functional bag. Our designs seamlessly transition from boardroom to airplane—and back again—making them ideal for women on the move. We keep production runs intentionally limited to ensure each piece retains its exclusivity and exceptional quality.

Through it all, I’ve realized growth doesn’t happen inside your comfort zone—you have to be willing to jump and trust in your passion. That’s the heart of Apposé: confidence, connection, and individuality. Our bags spark conversation, celebrate personal style, and genuinely go the distance—both literally and figuratively. If there’s one takeaway I can give someone in the creative field, listen to your gut.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For starters, I always recommend taking the train from the airport right into Union Station. It’s super convenient, and it saves you from the DIA traffic headache. Once you’re there, definitely grab a drink at Cooper Lounge before heading over to Temaki Den in the RiNo neighborhood for some incredible sushi and sake. Please order the salmon oshizushi and say hi to Tom and the crew at the bar!

Next up, I’d start day two with a matcha latte from Amante (my fave). I’m not a coffee drinker, but my husband says it is the best coffee in town. Then walk across the street to shop at The Vintage Label. Carolyn has the best curated collection of vintage and contemporary fashions, plus it’s a great place to buy a gift. They also carry our Apposé bags. After that, stroll over to Milk Market for a quick snack, check out Meow Wolf for an immersive art adventure, and wrap up the day at A5 for their amazing happy-hour burger and fries.

Day three is your nature day: a quick drive to Red Rocks in Morrison for a scenic hike—if you’re lucky, stay for a concert at night, because it’s pure magic under the stars.

If you’ve got a few more days, I’d totally recommend taking a road trip to Aspen through Independence Pass. The drive is gorgeous, the air is clean, and you can hike Maroon Bells (one of the most photographed spots in the country). Plus, Aspen’s dining and shopping scene is a fun change of pace.

If you have extra time, add a day trip to Boulder—Pearl Street has such a cool, eclectic vibe and the Flatirons will take your breath away.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe so much of my journey to the incredible people in my life—my family, who taught me the value of hard work; my friends, who encouraged every leap I took; and my husband, Dan, whose unwavering support makes everything possible. Growing up in a tight-knit community showed me how meaningful connection can be, and I strive to bring that sense of warmth and belonging to every aspect of Apposé.

Website: https://Shopappose.com

Instagram: apposeofficial; Shelley.narsete

Image Credits
Paul Miller Photography for the photo shots