About Us

I'm Zola, the founder and creative behind Toteno. I've always had a natural pull toward creativity. As a kid, that looked like drawing comics, creating my own stories, and later designing my own sneakers. I was a sneaker head growing up so sneakers meant everything to me.

As I got older, life shifted my focus and I began studying to become a nurse, which slowly pulled me away from my creative side. Although I orginally wanted to pursue fashion in college, I earned a degree in health studies. 

Now, I've found my way back. Toteno is my way of sharing my creativity with the world through thoughtfully designed products. I design from my own sense of style and taste, and every piece reflects that. My goal is for anyone wearing or carrying Toteno to feel seen, confident, and complimented-not just for the product itself, but for their great taste too.

Toteno's first pop up shop!

Toteno's first pop-up began with an invitation to a youth program. I was nervous, but I showed up and made it happen. We sold 10 totes from our spring collection, and it became an experience I'll never forget!