From Hollywood to Entrepreneurship: Reinventing Your Brand with Dana Bowling | Emily Blumenthal & Dana Bowling

What sparks creativity in a handbag designer who started her journey in interior architecture? Join us for an intimate chat with Marta Torres from Martania Handbags, where she shares her remarkable path from San Salvador to the world of fashion. Marta's whimsical design inspirations have roots in her upbringing and her mother’s 1980s fashion boutique. Revel in the serendipity that led her to handbag design and discover how she translates her interior architecture background into her iconic, p...

10 Sep 202443min

Ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving handbag business while navigating life across different continents? Tune in to hear Clare Hynes from Soli and Sun share her extraordinary journey from Dublin to China, the Philippines, and Washington State. Clare opens up about the joys and challenges of moving internationally with her family and balancing a career in graphic design with the demands of motherhood. She also provides interesting insights into the differences between British and Am...

3 Sep 202431min

What happens when a Venezuelan electronic engineering graduate becomes a handbag design sensation in Miami? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Maria Gabriela Duque Albornoz, the creative mastermind behind Marigaby Designs. Maria shares her journey from crafting unique handbags for personal use in Venezuela to founding a thriving business in Miami. Her story is filled with pivotal moments, from her mother's encouragement to the challenges of Venezuela's job market, all of whic...

27 Aug 202425min

Unlock the secrets of handbag authentication with our special guest, renowned handbag authenticator Shelby Wilder. Hear how a cherished wicker bag from her grandmother ignited her passion for well-crafted handbags, leading her on a journey through high school and college, where she faced the challenges of replica bags. Learn about the rise of the circular economy and how the popularity of second-hand luxury bags has surged, especially post-pandemic, making Shelby's expertise more relevant tha...

20 Aug 202438min

Ever wondered how a childhood spent selling lemonade and flowers could lead to a successful career in handbag design? Today, we sit down with Lili Radu, whose journey from a bustling European upbringing to entrepreneurial success in the handbag industry is nothing short of inspiring to her current brand, Vee Collective. Lili shares how her unique experiences living between Miami and Berlin fuel her creativity and drive. Her passion for customer engagement is evident as she reflects on the imp...

13 Aug 202435min

Get ready to meet Stephanie Sarka, the brain behind 1 Atelier, who took a remarkable journey from the high-stakes world of Goldman Sachs to revolutionizing the luxury handbag industry! Stephanie opens up about her transformative experiences in mergers and acquisitions, her educational journey through Stanford and Harvard, and her invaluable time at Coach under the mentorship of Lou Frankfurt. Hear how these experiences shaped her vision for sustainable and thoughtful production practices that...

6 Aug 202441min

Ever wondered how a political science graduate could revolutionize the world of handbag design? In this episode, Sarah Wells shares her extraordinary journey from working in nonprofit leadership to building a thriving handbag brand to support working mothers. Sarah opens up about the imposter syndrome she battled and how Emily Blumenthal's influential book became a game-changer for her career shift. From her roots in Owego, New York, to her education in Washington D.C., Sarah recounts the piv...

30 Jul 202436min

Can the fashion world keep up with the rapidly changing landscape of technology? Join us as we engage with Clare Tattersall, the pioneering force behind the first Digital Fashion Week. Clare shares her captivating journey from the 2020 event launch to its phenomenal growth across fashion capitals like New York, London, Paris, and Milan. Her story is one of resilience and innovation, navigating the challenges and celebrating the triumphs of digital fashion. We'll also explore Clare's previous ...

23 Jul 202437min