Let's take a trip down handbag history memory lane, shall we? I had the pleasure of being joined by handbag designer Monica Botkier, and together we reminisced about the humble beginnings of the handbag industry, recalling iconic brands like Kate Spade and Monica's own brand, Botkier. The conversation took quite a few unexpected turns, covering everything from infamous celeb knock-offs to fashion's dramatic shift in trends. Monica didn't always dream of being a handbag designer, though. We delved into her adolescent years, where she was a fearless high schooler sneaking into fashion shows and a curious student at NYU, before finding herself immersed in the world of accessories. She shared some riveting behind-the-scenes stories of high-level shoots, her passion for leatherwork, and how her city kid hustle became her default mode. It was truly inspiring to hear how her parents, particularly her mom, nurtured her creative pursuits. As we journeyed further into the handbag industry, Monica opened up about the complexities and challenges she faced, from protecting designs to evolving with the digital age and the role of social media in fashion. She candidly shared her experiences both good and bad with being courted by high-end brands, her success and rapid growth of Botkier, and the creation of her new own brand, Chosen Woven.  Monica's story underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to your creative vision, making this episode a must-listen for anyone with an interest in fashion and design. Follow Monica at: https://www.instagram.com/monicabotkier/ https://www.instagram.com/chosenwoven/ Shop Handbag Designer 101 Merch: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/category/all-products Book a handbag session with Emily: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/ Hire Emily to be a guest speaker at your event: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/speaking Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HandbagDesigner101-IHDA Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handbagdesigner/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@handbagdesigner Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/handbagdesigner