Handbag Designer 101 Emily Blumenthal

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 social responsibility and community. Their tale isn't just about crafting bags; it's a narrative woven with resilience, showcasing how Betty's unexpected job loss became the catalyst for a brand that's as much about family as it is about fashion.

As we explore the seams of their success, Betty and Paulina guide us through their meticulous ascent, transforming a humble garage operation into a global sensation. Witness the evolution of Beamina's bonbon bag, an emblem of design purity, and learn how these ingenious creators safeguarded their ingenuity through patents, simultaneously steering clear of imitators and paving the way for licensing goldmines. This episode isn't just a peek behind the curtain; it's a masterclass of perseverance in maintaining a brand's integrity and exclusivity, from the strategic decisions behind e-commerce to the unveiling of their Puerto Rican flagship. Tune in for an inspiring illustration of how a mother and daughter can spin threads of adversity into a tapestry of triumph.


Follow Beamina:
https://www.instagram.com/beaminaofficial/



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Register for the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass:
https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/challenge-page/Masterclass


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


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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 complex data-driving valuations but equally for the soft power of relationship-building and networking - skills that any businessperson will find invaluable.

As Richard illuminates the seismic shift towards sustainability and ethical practices, they venture further into the dynamic interplay between consumer values and business growth. We scrutinize how this evolution challenges established brands and carves paths for emerging disruptors, all while ensuring that our conversation remains firmly grounded in real-world examples. Our discourse doesn't shy away from the delicate balancing act between creative integrity and commercial imperatives, especially salient for those of us in the handbag industry striving to maintain artistic vision without sacrificing market appeal.

To cap off this conversation, we peer into the crystal ball to discern the markers of brand longevity and dissect the strategies behind crafting a brand that resonates across generations. Richard shares his perspective on navigating the diversification of product lines without diluting a brand's essence and the criticality of building a solid core audience. His invitation for listeners to connect weaves a golden thread through the conversation, reminding us that an engaging online presence is more than a profile—it's a platform for building professional bridges. So, whether you're a handbag aficionado or a business enthusiast, this is an episode that promises to enrich your understanding of the art and strategy behind successful brands.


Connect with Richard:
https://trianglecapitalllc.com/ 


Shop Handbag Designer 101 Merch:
https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/category/all-products


Register for the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass:
https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/challenge-page/Masterclass


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

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 unlocking a distinctive, less saturated market space.
Ryan and I then candidly unpack the lessons learned from my own retail expansion escapades, from the jarring costs of labeling blunders to the complexities of navigating the Canadian market. You'll glean the importance of understanding landed costs, the pivotal role distributors play, and why Canada is not just a gateway to North America but a launchpad for global brand recognition. By the end of our discussion, you'll appreciate the fine art of balancing relationships with retail giants and the subtle intricacies of spreading your brand's wings across Canada's diverse regions.
Wrapping up with heartfelt gratitude, we extend thanks to Ryan for his invaluable insights and to you, our devoted listeners, for embarking on this insightful journey with us. As we bid farewell, we encourage you to connect, share your thoughts, and continue the dialogue. We part with a promise of more thought-provoking content in the episodes to come, keeping the pulse on the ever-evolving world of handbag design.

Follow Ryan:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcinturfryan/ 
www.mrif.gouv.qc.ca 
www.international.gouv.qc.ca/en/new-york




Shop Handbag Designer 101 Merch:
https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/category/all-products


Register for the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass:
https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/challenge-page/Masterclass


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

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 intricacies of Italian manufacturing and the thoughtful consideration of every stitch and seam of a designer handbag.

This episode isn't just a narrative; it's an immersive masterclass that captures the essence of a designer's growth from stocking first collections in boutique stores to navigating the sophisticated dance with retailers and embracing the direct-to-consumer model. Sage shares the exhilarating moment of landing her first major order and the strategic thinking behind keeping a brand alluring through exclusive releases and seasonal refreshes. Aspiring designers and aficionados alike will gain a wealth of knowledge from Sage's experiences, including her role as a mentor guiding emerging talents to sculpt their unique product lines in the fashion world.

Wrapping up with Sage's personal anecdotes and reflections, we traverse the landscape of brand-building in the fashion industry. We examine the transformative impact of the Luna bag, which carved a niche for Sage Aubrey as a brand, and the tenacity required to maintain one's vision amidst the ever-present tides of opinion and trend. The episode wraps up with a candid look at the current retail environment, offering strategies for success that span from captivating storytelling to assertive self-promotion. Join us for an inspiring discourse that spotlights the milestones and resilience needed to flourish in the kaleidoscope of the global fashion scene.

Follow Sage:

https://www.instagram.com/sageaubrey 
https://sageaubrey.com/ 


Shop Handbag Designer 101 Merch:
https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/category/all-products


Register for the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass:
https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/challenge-page/Masterclass


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

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 evolution of The Lionesque Group, illustrating that a compelling narrative is as crucial as the numbers in your spreadsheet.

Venture into the bustling world of pop-up retail, a realm where Melissa has left an indelible mark through her innovative approach to space and consumer engagement. Discover the secret sauce that Melissa was involved with more than just entertainment—they were the catalytic forces behind her leap into media production and the transformation of street-level retail into immersive, pop-up experiences. As we navigate the complexities of these pop-up ventures, from payment models to PR imperatives, we gain insight into the new post-pandemic retail landscape, ripe with opportunities for those ready to feed the consumer's hunger for the novel.

Finally, absorb the wisdom gained from the trenches of entrepreneurship—where customer service reigns supreme, and owning one's errors can forge a brand of steel. In the spirit of strategic focus, we unravel the story behind the 'Lionesque' name and the agile pivots it took to stay true to brand identity. Melissa doesn't shy away from discussing the rollercoaster ride of investor relations, the emotional weight of business pivots, and the triumvirate of timing, team, and ideas that constitute success. As we close, Melissa offers a sneak peek into her role at MG2 and her podcast 'Retail Refined,' a treasure trove of industry insights waiting for those eager to refine their understanding of the retail universe.

Follow Melissa:

https://lionesquegroup.com/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagonzalezlionesque/ 

https://mg2.com



Shop Handbag Designer 101 Merch:
https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/category/all-products


Register for the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass:
https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/challenge-page/Masterclass


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

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, defying familial expectations and societal norms to pursue her true calling.

Tola's narrative reveals the life of an artist turned entrepreneur by transforming adversity into opportunity. She captivates with the story of her first foray into the fashion world, refurbishing vintage handbags and delivering them to eager friends and family. Each anecdote is a piece of advice in disguise, a lesson on how to marry creativity with business savvy. For anyone standing at the crossroads of career and passion, Tola exemplifies the joy of taking the less traveled road, creating not just handbags, but a legacy.

Venture into the intricate tapestry of the handbag industry with Tola's candid recount of Florian London's manufacturing saga. Experience the trials and triumphs from Somerset to Turkey, where each stitch in a Florian handbag tells a global story. With a focus on craftsmanship and authenticity, Tola's commitment to her Nigerian roots and identity as a black female entrepreneur resonates powerfully, particularly in the US market. This episode isn't just about the creation of a fashion brand—it's a masterclass in perseverance, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. Join us for an inspiring tale that weaves together the threads of heritage, identity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in design.

Follow Tola:

https://www.instagram.com/florian_teee/
https://www.instagram.com/florianlondonuk
https://florianlondon.com/ 



Shop Handbag Designer 101 Merch:
https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/category/all-products


Register for the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass:
https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/challenge-page/Masterclass


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