Hi, I'm Jess—maker & big cheese behind Poorwill (formerly Aegis Handcraft). Welcome to my corner of the internet. Whether you're here to browse, shop, share, or just hang out, I hella appreciate your time and presence.

I handcraft small-batch goods from my workshop in Alameda, CA. I'm a queer, late-identified autistic person who loves fashion, crafts, deep dives into pop culture, film and TV marathons, and sociology. I'm also a postpartum doula, a minister who officiates weddings, a paralegal, a day-of coordinator, a former beauty school dropout, and a lifelong enthusiast of various special interests.

Poorwill is where I bring those threads together—through art, care, story, and slow-making.

If I'm not crafting, coordinating, or caregiving, I'm probably spending time with my Boo and our gatos, George & Frank.

Thanks for visiting Poorwill. I'm so glad you're here. 💗

— Jess

Hey there! I'm so excited you're interested in Poorwill handcrafted goods. Before placing your order, here are a few essential details to keep in mind:

Because I handcraft each Poorwill piece, they are one-of-a-kind, and I'm unable to accept returns or issue refunds. Please double-check your order before finalizing it to ensure accuracy. But if you notice a mistake, reach out to me right away—I'll do my best to help.

I carefully inspect every item before it ships, and I stand behind my work with a lifetime warranty. I welcome repair, alteration, and mending commissions. If you find any defects, please email me at thepoorwillway@gmail.com with your name, contact info, photos, and a description of the issue, and I'll make it right.

Since all Poorwill goods are slow-made with care, production and shipping may take some time. Orders over $50 qualify for free domestic shipping via USPS standard mail unless otherwise noted. For international orders, please be aware that customs fees may apply, and these are the buyer's responsibility. Check your country's customs regulations for details.

Thanks so much for supporting my work! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

◄Who makes all your goods?
Poorwill is a one-person show run by yours truly—Jess. Hey, hello!All materials are sourced raw and hand-cut, stamped, burnished, sewn, and treated in my Bay Area workshop.

◄What is "small batch" and how does it work?
A small batch is a limited production run of one item. Once it sells out, it may not return. Orders are collected during the first two weeks of a small batch launch. After that, I enter a 2–3 week production window. Orders are shipped as they're finished.

◄What happens if I miss a pre-order?
You can email me to request that an item be included in a future batch. If enough people request it, there’s a better chance it’ll return.

◄Why is the leather so light/pink?
I use only premium, full-grain, natural vegetable-tanned leather. It isn’t dyed—just thick, durable, and real. Over time, it will soften and darken with use. Want to speed it up? Rub in a little leather conditioner/oil—or just take it on a few more adventures.

◄Fabric Wax Ingredients?
I hand-make my fabric wax in small batches using all-natural ingredients. It includes:

• Beeswax from a local Oakland, CA bee farm
• Jojoba Oil
• Food-grade Soy Wax
• Food-grade Paraffin Wax

This mix gives it the best consistency, water repellency, and wear.

◄Fabric Care & Maintenance
No need to “baby” Poorwill goods—in fact, the more you use them, the better they look. They’re made to live, wear, and grow with you.

YET, NEVER EVER:

• Machine wash waxed fabric or leather
• Use detergent, bleach, or harsh chemicals
• Dry clean
  

INSTEAD:

• Spot clean with a soft brush (an old toothbrush works—maybe your ex’s?)
• For fresh messes, wipe gently with a clean, damp cloth (no soap)
• Moisturize leather straps and details occasionally with leather-safe oils or balms to prevent drying or cracking.

If your item ends up in rough shape, email me with your situation and I’ll do my best to help. Or just leave it—it’s all part of the story.

◄Leather Care & Maintenance
Moisturize leather straps and details occasionally with leather-safe oils or balms to prevent drying or cracking.

If your item ends up in rough shape, email me with your situation and I’ll do my best to help. Or just leave it—it’s all part of the story.

◄Do you wholesale, take commissions, or private label?
Yes! Send me an email with the details:
📩 thepoorwillway@gmail.com

Media & Press

• Renegade Craft Fair, 2016
• Coolirpa, 2020
• Heddels, 2018
• Denim Squad, 2017
• Denim Hunters, 2019
• Aegis Handcraft, Maker Video, 2015

I'm deeply committed to quality, transparency, and ethical craftsmanship. I make each piece slowly and thoughtfully, using high-grade materials to create goods that are built to last.

My love for innovation and integrity pushes me to challenge the norms of fast fashion and explore what's possible through small-batch, intentional design. I'm passionate about creating work that meets diverse needs, encourages responsible consumption, and upholds fair labor values.

I also believe in the power of collaboration, and I'm always grateful for the chance to work alongside fellow artists and makers who share a vision for a more sustainable, care-centered future.

I make Poorwill goods to last, but even the sturdiest pieces deserve a little care from time to time.

If your item ever needs repairs or mending, I'm here to help. Whether it's wear and tear or something unexpected, reach out—I'll do my best to get it back in working shape.

A well-made product should last for years. With a bit of love and care, your Poorwill piece can continue to perform well.

Need a fix? Email me anytime, and we'll make it right.

I know needs change, and sometimes your Poorwill (formerly Aegis Handcraft) goods no longer fit your life. That's why I offer a trade-in program, making it easy to swap your gently used items for new or updated Poorwill pieces.
Whether you've outgrown your bag or want a fresh style, this program helps you refresh your collection while giving your loved Poorwill goods a second life. By trading in, you're reducing waste, conserving resources, and helping to support a more sustainable future.
Join me in this mission to honor what's made with care—trade in your previously loved Poorwill goods today and find something new to love.

Regardless of your question or concern, I'm here to assist you wherever possible. Reach out anytime at thepoorwillway@gmail.com—I'm happy to help with orders, product questions, or to hear your story/feedback.

Please don't hesitate to email me, and let's start the conversation. I'm looking forward to connecting with you!