Embark on an incredible mother-daughter journey with Betty and Paulina, the heart and soul of Beamina, as they stitch together a story as vibrant as their handbag collection. This episode threads the needle between a family's love and the cutthroat world of fashion entrepreneurship, from Paulina's childhood sewing machine to the glittering storefronts that now house their creations. These two incredible women open up about the fusion of their shared passion with an unyielding commitment to...

Prepare to have your mind blown as we sit down with the legendary Richard Kestenbaum of Triangle Capital LLC to unravel the complex world of mergers and acquisitions. As we navigate through the depths of human psychology pivotal in deal-making, you will gain unprecedented insights into the ballet of numbers and narratives shaping the fate of consumer retail and merchandising companies. Richard's four decades on Wall Street have honed his instincts, not just for the hard data driving...

Embark on a linguistic and commercial adventure as I, Emily Blumenthal, sit down with Ryan McInturf, the insightful attaché to the Quebec government. We navigate the nuances of Quebec's French language and its impact on the handbag industry, shedding light on the opportunities that await emerging designers in Canadian retail. Discover the strategic advantage of charming power players like Essence and Holt Renfrew, as we reveal how this dominance of pure French language can be the key to...

Embark on an enthralling journey through the fashion industry with the remarkable Sage Aubrey, whose rise to acclaim was cemented with her distinction in the 2019 Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design competition. Sage's candid recount of her path from concept to creation offers invaluable lessons on the complexities of handbag design, highlighting the significance of pricing strategies and balancing a brand's essence with market appeal. As you listen, you'll uncover the behind-the-scenes...

From Wall Street wizard to handbag heroine, Melissa Gonzalez, the mastermind behind The Lionesque Group, graces our podcast with a tale proving passion and business acumen can coalesce into something extraordinary. Her story is one of transformation, trading the stability of finance for the thrill of independent design, without losing the analytical edge that once defined her career. Listen closely as Melissa imparts the lessons learned from her roots with The Lionesque Media through the...

As your handbag fairy godmother, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Tola Adeagbo, the visionary designer behind Florian London. Her story stirs the soul—from playful days in Lagos, Nigeria to the bustling energy of London at age 11. Tola's resilience shines through tales of bullying and cultural challenges, exemplifying the grit that later became the foundation of her fashion empire. Our conversation takes you on a heartfelt journey, mapping how Tola charted her course from finance to fashion,...

Have you ever gazed longingly at a luxury handbag, wondering about its journey before it graced a boutique's shimmering display? This episode unfolds a riveting narrative with Charlotte Staerck, the co-founder and CEO of Handbag Clinic. Our intimate conversation travels through Charlotte's evolution from an eBay seller to a titan in the pre-owned luxury handbag market. You'll be transported into a world where passion for fashion meets pioneering entrepreneurial spirit, all wrapped up in the...

Embark on an enchanting voyage through time with Dr. Katrina Marchant, whose expertise in early modern literature and drama offers a unique vantage point into the world of handbags and their societal significance. In our latest episode, we unravel the intricate tapestry of fashion history, tracing the handbag from its humble beginnings to its crowning as an icon of style and status. Join us as we reveal the unexpected ways in which these accessories reflect our collective aspirations, and how...

Embark on a riveting exploration of the handbag industry with Jaime Levy, the renowned former SVP of sales and merchandising for Steve Madden. Jaime peels back the curtain on her journey from a disinterested inheritor of a family handbag empire to a fashion force to be reckoned with. Through her stories, listeners will discover the real dynamics that drive customer connections and learn how to navigate the often-underestimated complexities of product sales. In an industry that blends art...

Unlock the enigmatic world of handbags with your host, Emily Blumenthal, as we weave through the storied career of Abe Chehebar, the maestro behind AHQ - Accessory Headquarters's phenomenal rise. From the nostalgic walls of his father's Giselle Handbag Company to the dazzling heights of the private label industry, Abe spills the beans on making a personal statement through the evolution of the handbag industry. Listen as we unfold the magic behind showroom aesthetics that entice retailers and...

Sarah Colonna's tale of triumph, from bartending in the bustling nightlife of Los Angeles to crafting chic handbags for stadium-goers, is nothing if not a Hollywood-worthy script. With a contagious laugh and a wit sharp enough to carve her unique space in the world of fashion and entertainment, Sarah joins us to recount the highs, the lows, and the sheer perseverance that paved her path to becoming a New York Times bestselling author and a handbag brand sensation. Her story, brimming with...

Get ready to get lucky with this exclusive interview with handbag legend, Rebecca Minkoff. Step into the fashion time capsule as we uncover the origins of the Morning After Bag from its sketch to the actual first sample with its creator, Rebecca Minkoff. You're in for a treat as Rebecca spills the beans on her rise from a tenacious clothing designer to a handbag empress, all thanks to a serendipitous twist of fate. We'll reminisce about the fashion heydays of New York City, where the Morning...

From a tiny spark in rural Kansas to the roaring blaze of New York's fashion scene, Elyce Arons’ narrative is one for the storybooks. Alongside her best friend, Katie Brosnahan aka Kate Spade, Elyce takes us down memory lane, revealing how they transformed a shared dream and a modest start-up capital into the globally recognized Kate Spade brand. Delivered with the warmth of a heart-to-heart, this episode peels back the layers of a journey marked by vintage inspirations and serendipitous...

Are you ready to embark on an inspiring journey with us? Prepare to be captivated by the groundbreaking story of Pakistan's premier handbag brand, WARP. We sit down for an intimate chat with the creative mastermind behind the brand, Hirra Babar. She takes us through her decision to veer off the beaten track after business school and follow her passion in the fashion industry. Let's just say, growing up in a culture where women often design their own clothes definitely played its part in...

Have you ever caught yourself captivated by the sartorial elegance of TV personalities, wondering who crafts their impeccable style? Step behind the scenes with Darshan Gress, the visionary stylist whose touch has graced the wardrobes of television's elite. From the pulsating energy of MTV to the meticulous curation of personal wardrobes, Darshan shares a treasure trove of experiences, underscoring the transformative journey from fashion enthusiast to industry icon. The allure of a perfectly...

Discover the future of your favorite fashion staple as Beth Goldstein from Circana joins us to unravel the complexities of the handbag industry. We're talking the inside scoop on why those Chanel flaps and Hermes Birkins are bucking the economic trend and fetching even higher prices, despite the world's belt-tightening. Get ready to navigate the murky waters of market analytics and consumer behavior, where the strategic moves that designers and retailers make could spell success or disaster...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave a promising career in finance and dive feet-first into the bustling world of fashion? Eda Lourdes, the creative force behind Edalou Paris, has done just that and she's here to share her fascinating story with us. From her upbringing in Puerto Rico with a deep passion for dance and creativity, to her transformative 16 years in the finance sector, Eda's journey is one of tenacity and relentless pursuit of her dreams. Eda's deep dive into...

As we continue the journey of what it takes to build a luxury handbag brand from scratch the harsh realities of the industry, we pick up where we left off with Julie Deane, and her difficult choice to sell her company. This is precisely the thrilling journey Julie Deane, founder of the Cambridge Statue Company, unravels with us. We take a deep dive into the complex world of the handbag business, learning about the trials of selling, the betrayal of manufacturers, and the courage it took for...

Imagine setting foot on unfamiliar soil, grappling with a foreign language, yet nurturing a dream to make it big in the fashion industry. Our guest today, Genesis Warner, the powerhouse behind the handbag brand Leisara, did just that and more. We unravel her inspiring voyage from Venezuela to the United States and delve into the myriad challenges she had to overcome, from language barriers to finding the right manufacturing partners. Her relentless pursuit of her entrepreneurial dreams,...

From the vibrant streets of Poland to the heart of London's fashion scene, we journey through the inspiring tale of Alexandra Klimek, a powerhouse handbag designer with a story to tell. Aspiring designers, take note: This is a golden opportunity to learn from an expert who cut her teeth at fashion giants like Alexander McQueen and Mulberry. Get ready to discover the power of perseverance, the art of understanding your customers, and the importance of striking a balance between quality and...

Unzip the world of handbag designing with me, your host Emily Blumenthal, and our esteemed guest Christina Langbort, Director of Business Development for New York and Europe at Hilldun, in this enlightening episode. We're throwing the spotlight on the role of a factor company like Hilldun in the world of fashion and revealing how they are the force behind successful apparel and accessory businesses. Christina, with her vast knowledge and experience, shares the nitty-gritty of financing, the...

Get ready for an inspiring story that takes us from the atelier floors of the Philippines to the bustling streets of New York City. We've got an incredible guest today, Rafe – a self-made handbag designer. At 18, Rafe embarked on an exciting journey that started with his atelier and led him to become the Creative Director overseeing all Nine West handbag brands including Nine West, Anne Klein, Rachel Roy, Brian Atwood, and Rafe New York. His tale is an eclectic mix of triumphs, trials, and...

Who's to say handbags are just a fashion statement? Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Executive Editor of Women's Wear Daily, and Emily believe they are so much more. As authorities in the fashion industry, Arthur offers a deep dive into the fascinating world of handbags, consumer behavior, and the ever-evolving fashion industry. His expertise offers a unique perspective on the trends shaping the industry and the impact of the pandemic on consumer desires. As we peel back the layers of the industry, the...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a dream into a thriving international business? This episode promises an inspiring journey with Coral Chung, the founder and CEO of SENREVE, a coveted handbag brand. Coral, a Chinese immigrant, navigates us through her experience of embracing new cultures, the struggles of learning a new language, and the inspiring journey of her family's pursuit of the American Dream. Her bicultural upbringing lends her a unique perspective that has shaped her...