The features customers have come to expect in a well-made, handcrafted STRUCTUREbag are rooted in Brenda’s design background.

With each fabric choice, with each stitch, Brenda’s vision is brought to you with great care.

When Brenda and her husband relocated to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2009, her appreciation for members and families of our military soared. Living on a military post shines light on the sacrifices and commitment of military families: deployments, circumstantial single-parenting, tragedies and volunteerism.

With the birth of their daughter in 2010, the new parenting phase became Brenda's focus. In 2011, STRUCTUREbags started as an outlet for this new mom, semi-ripped from an over-demanding career and looking to make some one-of-a-kind goods for her toddler. Baby Guyader needed some original Army gear!

Gradually, the new-mom fog lifted, and Brenda began to hear and listen to everything happening around her. West Point is many things – historic, picturesque, academically excellent – but most of all it is humbling.

From the story of the tactical officer killed in action who was laid to rest in front of standing room only crowds, to the woman brought to tears after receiving candy on Valentine’s Day from the “deployment angels,” it was clear to Brenda that her previous civilian perspective was grossly naïve.

In many ways, STRUCTUREbags reflects the lessons learned in Brenda’s years at West Point. STRUCTUREbags is about giving back: to the environment, to those who serve, to those left behind.

Today, Brenda spends most of her professional time in the tech world. But that doesn't keep her from sitting down at her trusty Elna machine and creating. She no longer creates collections for widespread distribution - instead she carefully crafts one-of-a-kind and limited release items a few times a year.

STRUCTUREbags founder and designer, Brenda Guyader, has always considered herself a patriot. It was not until she moved to the United States Military Academy at West Point that she had a truer understanding of the commitment made by our military families. The men and women at West Point are not only committed to their country – but to each other as well. The bond military families have is strong! And when one family is in need, families around them work together to assist. What better way to say ‘thank you’ to the servicemen and servicewoman – and their families – than to give something back when one of those families has a need?

When you purchase from any of our lines, you can feel good knowing you purchased an eco-friendly bag:

• Our Organic Canvas Line uses only organic fabrics inside and out. Some items use fleece interfacing to add structure.

• We source beautiful vintage and upcycled buttons from small businesses.

• Our Cadet Grey Line upcycles authentic academy uniforms and pairs them with quality organic cottons and canvases.

• Our Camo with a Cause Line uses organic canvas backings and organic cotton linings together with a poly/cotton digital camo print.

• 2013: Our "Season of Thanks" campaign sent 100 camo ornaments (valued at $1000) to families of deployed soldiers and letters to both the deployed soldiers and their families
• 2014: We gave out more than $575 in STRUCTUREbags merchandise via our giveaways and "2014 Season of Thanks" "Deployment Angel" campaigns!
• 2015: We gave more than $600 in STRUCTUREbags merchandise via donations to West Point Women's Club and other military fundraisers. Plus, after starting our Third Annual Season of Thanks: Move. Give. Receive, we've raised another $40 in 2015 via the Charity Miles app STRUCTUREbags team.