Refeci started as an idea based on a need of our founder and CEO, Luisa. In 2021 she started noticing some items in her collection were deteriorating and looking worn out (even when she was following all the recommendations for appropriate care). She embarked on a quest to find a luxury fashion cleaning and repair/restoration service provider in Houston, and after weeks of research, she found none. Other cities in the United States such as Miami, Atlanta, LA, and NYC have outstanding local services, why not Houston? Houston is the 4th largest city in the US, it is the home of 11 billionaires on the Forbes list and is the 6th wealthiest city in America. So why rely on a Shoe Hospital for any repairs our luxury items need?  

She decided to do more research to find the best repair and restoration services in the world, from techniques to tools and solutions utilized to obtain outstanding results. In 2022 she put her career on pause as a researcher and healthcare provider to completely dive in and become a restoration specialist herself.  

This process started in Asia, she became an industry accepted certified specialist in luxury fashion restoration and cleaning after completion of training. For months she continued to practice and expand her knowledge until she realized she needed to travel to Europe to learn first-hand from some of the most prominent schools and artisans in Italy, England, and Switzerland. For weeks she immersed herself in a field that requires attention to detail and an unparalleled level of perfection, something she is already used to with patient care.  

This experience with leather makers and artisans expanded her knowledge further and helped her establish unique relationships to shape her business idea, Refeci.  

Refeci was created as a solution for a need not only in Houston but in Texas. Handbags, luggage, shoes, and other luxury accessories can last a lifetime if taken care of appropriately, which helps maintain or increase their value and can be passed on from generation to generation as a family heirloom.  

Luisa Steckler, Refeci Founder while in Italy learning the leather industry.