Best Handbag Designer Podcasts (2025)

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Inside NY Now: Why Wholesale Still Matters for Independent Designers 👜🛍️| Emily Blumenthal & Matthew Mathiasen 42:03

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5d ago42:03

42:03

In an era dominated by DTC, what role do trade shows still play in building a fashion brand? In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we sit down with Matthew Mathiasen, Show Director of NY Now, to unpack why wholesale isn’t just relevant—it’s essential for emerging accessory brands looking for long-term growth, especially now with The “It Bag x NY…

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Most worn Pre Loved Designer Handbags, Louis Vuitton & Chanel Bags, Sustainable Style 7:55

15d ago7:55

7:55

Summary In this episode, Cholpon shares her personal collection of pre-loved designer handbags, highlighting the unique features and stories behind each piece. From vintage Louis Vuitton to Chanel and Ralph Lauren, she discusses the practicality, style, and emotional connections these bags hold for her. The conversation emphasises the beauty of sus…

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The Trendsetter: Sara Pollack Darsky on Style, Design, and Parenting in LA 48:33

10d ago48:33

48:33

From indie film sets in New York to the earliest days at YouTube, Sara Pollack Darsky has lived at the center of culture and tech. In this conversation, she reflects on chasing dreams, surviving quarter-life crises, building a career that reshaped media, and creating a home that feels both grounded and aspirational. Along the way, she opens up abou…

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164. ARCHIVE | Live from the Brentwood Country Mart with Anya Hindmarch, Gregg Renfrew, and Laura Vinroot Poole 35:34

7d ago35:34

35:34

As my friend Gregg Renfrew re-launches her company and Anya Hindmarch visits our Charlotte store, I wanted to re-air this powerful conversation led by transformational coach, Ashley Wick. Find us on Instagram: @whatweworepodcast @shopcapitol Or on the web: www.shop-capitol.comBy Laura Vinroot Poole

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Inside the Handbag Machine: How Cathy Schwartz-Shino Defines Real Brand Power | Emily Blumenthal & Cathy Schwartz-Shino 39:10

9d ago39:10

39:10

By Emily Blumenthal

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The Governor: Bob Wise on Learning and Leading in West Virginia 58:51

17d ago58:51

58:51

Former West Virginia Governor Robert E. Wise reflects on a lifetime of public service—from long drives across one of the most sprawling districts east of the Mississippi to leading his home state through crises and change. In this conversation, he shares why he believes education is the only true passport out of poverty, how trust and humility shap…

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From Apples to Handbags: Claudia Pievani’s Cruelty‑Free Fashion Revolution 31:54

15d ago31:54

31:54

Send us a text What if your favorite bag could be both beautiful and kind? We sit down with MioMojo founder Claudia Piani to unpack how next‑gen materials, apples, oranges, bamboo, olives, and even mycelium, are reshaping luxury without animal skin or chemical‑heavy tanning. Claudia shares how a love affair with nature became a design brief, a supp…

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From Boutique Dreams to QVC Star: Dawn Del Russo’s Reinvention Story | Emily Blumenthal & Dawn Del Russo 35:53

16d ago35:53

35:53

By Emily Blumenthal

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163. Clare Hornby | On Building ME+EM 35:06

22d ago35:06

35:06

Clare Hornby is the founder and CEO of the UK-based ME+EM. Clare’s inspiring entrepreneurial story includes a mid-career pivot from advertising to fashion… and becoming a respected leader in an industry she knew nothing about. Clare shares insights on resilience, innovation, and the power of understanding your customer's real needs. Find us on Inst…

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The Doctor: Julie Foucher on Healthy Homes and Human Connections in the Midwest 1:02:43

24d ago1:02:43

1:02:43

In this episode of Homeplace, host Anna Richardson White talks with her close friend Dr. Julie Foucher — a family physician with Wild Health, founder of the Pursuing Health podcast, four-time CrossFit Games athlete and so much more. Julie shares how growing up in the Midwest, stretching out medical school to compete in CrossFit, and later stepping …

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Building Handbag Joy: How Peter Gryson Turned Vision Into a Global Label | Emily Blumenthal & Peter Gryson 54:17

26d ago54:17

54:17

Ever wonder how a personal story becomes a global brand? Peter Gryson, co-founder of Joy Gryson, shares his journey from corporate fashion to building a handbag label that stands out in a crowded market. From retail floors to a VP role at Calvin Klein, his path reveals how determination, adaptability, and vision can turn obstacles into opportunity.…

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The Designer: Kelley Moueix on American handbags and home in Bordeaux 1:05:24

1M ago1:05:24

1:05:24

From the Michigan lakes and Connecticut shorelines to the vineyards of Bordeaux, Kelley Moueix’s journey has been shaped by her unwavering curiosity and creativity. In this episode of Homeplace, Kelley talks about how her early interest in art and fashion led to a career in luxury beauty in New York and later Paris, where love pulled her to her cur…

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162. Tommy Ton | On the Street 50:22

30d ago50:22

50:22

Tommy Ton is one of fashion’s first street style photographers. Tommy jumped into the industry at a pivotal time, when bloggers and fashion first collided. He is a pioneer of the integration of fashion and digital media and he was born to tell this story. Find us on Instagram: @whatweworepodcast @shopcapitol Or on the web: www.shop-capitol.com…

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From Macy’s to QVC: Karen Giberson’s Accessories’ Journey | Emily Blumenthal & Karen Giberson 37:33

1M ago37:33

37:33

Ever wonder why it’s so hard to break into the accessories world? Karen Giberson, President of the Accessories Council, pulls back the curtain on an industry made up of specialized silos that rarely connect. From Macy’s competitive executive training program to navigating the stigma of QVC, her path shaped a mission to create meaningful connections…

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The Distiller: Colin Spoelman on childhood in Kentucky and bourbon in Brooklyn 48:51

1M ago48:51

48:51

In this episode of Homeplace, host Anna Richardson White talks with Colin Spoelman, master distiller, writer, and co-founder of Kings County Distillery. Having grown up in Harlan, Kentucky, Colin reflects on his Appalachian roots, the small-town experiences that shaped him, and how leaving home deepened his connection to it. He shares how whiskey, …

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Julie Deane CBE: The Post-It on the Factory Wall to the Sale of The Cambridge Satchel Company Part 2 | Emily Blumenthal & Julie Deane 26:46

1M ago26:46

26:46

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…

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Julie Deane’s Tale from Kitchen Table to British Handbag Empire: The Creation of The Cambridge Satchel Company Part 1 | Emily Blumenthal & Julie Deane 1:04:15

2M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

“Have you ever wondered what it takes to create and scale a handbag brand? Quickly? Well, prepare to find out in this fascinating chat with our guest Julie Deane, the brains behind the Cambridge Satchel Company. Julie shares her journey from a humble start, fueled by her mother's support, to making a mark in the world of handbags, focusing on the s…

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From Charity Shops to Chic Looks: How I Find Rare Fashion & Homeware Gems 6:51

2M ago6:51

6:51

In this episode, the host shares her personal journey of shopping in charity shops, highlighting unique and vintage finds that showcase her love for fashion and home decor. From a stunning silk scarf to fine china, each item tells a story of discovery and appreciation for craftsmanship. The conversation emphasizes the joy of thrift shopping and the…

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161. Ellen Carey | Fashion & The City 54:33

2M ago54:33

54:33

Ellen Carey has been a part of the fashion industry for over 30 years — She has created a career out of supporting emerging designers and encourages everyone to find their own unique path within the industry.By Laura Vinroot Poole

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“How you can own Chanel Bag without breaking the bank” 9:43

2M ago9:43

9:43

SummaryIn this episode, the speaker shares her personal journey of becoming a collector of vintage Chanel bags. She recounts her initial desire to own a Chanel bag, her experiences with purchasing both new and pre-loved bags, and the advice she received about the benefits of vintage bags. The conversation highlights the craftsmanship of vintage Cha…

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From Courtroom to Catwalk: Jimena Suarez’s Vegan Handbag Revolution | Emily Blumenthal & Jimena Suarez 32:23

2M ago32:23

32:23

What happens when an environmental lawyer trades the courtroom for the world of fashion? For Jimena Suarez, founder of From Sentient, it means creating vegan handbags that blend Mexican craftsmanship, innovative materials, and ethical values—without sacrificing style. Sixteen years after going vegan, she saw a gap in the market for beautiful, high-…

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How Sujin Osatarayakul Builds Bags Like Buildings | Emily Blumenthal & Kazumi Takahashi & Sujin Osatarayakul 25:37

2M ago25:37

25:37

For Sujin, handbags aren’t sewn—they’re constructed. Trained as an architect, she approaches her brand, Elemood, with the same principles she’d apply to a building: structural integrity, simplicity, and form as function. With no fashion or sewing background, she pioneered designs like the Mono bag—crafted from a single piece of material—and the Exp…

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How Odoba Turned Heritage Into a Handbag Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Odoba Nnani 33:43

2M ago33:43

33:43

For Odoba Nnani, building her brand became a masterclass in trusting instincts and weaving cultural heritage into every creation. Born in Nigeria and moving to the U.S. at eight through the visa lottery, she balanced family expectations with a growing creative drive. When the pandemic hit, she traded law school dreams for crafting accessories that …

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Motherhood Meets Handbags: The Story of Misenver | Emily Blumenthal & Shinyoung Park 30:50

3M ago30:50

30:50

What happens when you mix a mischievous spirit, versatile design, and a new baby? For Shinyoung Park, it led to the creation of Misenver —a handbag brand born at the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurial ambition. In this inspiring episode, Shinyoung shares her path from fashion school in Korea to working in LA’s clothing industry, and how…

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From Coma to Comeback. Sam’s Unbelievable Recovery 1:16:44

3M ago1:16:44

1:16:44

SummaryIn this conversation, Sam Greene shares his profound journey of personal growth, detailing the challenges he faced, including a life-threatening health crisis. He emphasizes the importance of perspective, accountability, and the role of pain in fostering resilience. The discussion also touches on the significance of finding purpose, the impa…

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160. Ivan Shaw | A Career in Photos 51:07

3M ago51:07

51:07

Ivan Shaw is the former photography director at Vogue, for over twenty years, and an amazing orator of the stories and excitement of Vogue at the height of the magazine. He shares a wealth of wisdom from his career at Condé Nast where he is now the Corporate Photography Director of Condé Nast and Visuals Editor for The World of Interiors. Find us o…

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Healing Through Handbags: Chelli Look’s Journey of Creativity and Loss | Emily Blumenthal & Chelli Look 30:51

3M ago30:51

30:51

Chelli Look’s story is as inspiring as it is emotional. A self-taught designer since high school, she began making handbags after her sister challenged her to “figure it out yourself.” What started as a creative outlet became a livelihood—and later, a lifeline through unimaginable personal loss. In this moving episode, Chelli opens up about losing …

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Dating in the Digital Age: Too Many Choices, Too Little Connection 1:16:44

3M ago1:16:44

1:16:44

In this conversation, Sam Greene and Cholpon delve into the complexities of modern relationships, exploring the rise of singleness, the challenges posed by dating apps, and the impact of social media on dating dynamics. They discuss generational differences in relationship expectations, the biological clock for women, and the importance of communic…

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From Walmart Fabric to a Multi-Million Dollar Brand: Jessy Dover’s Bold Blueprint | Emily Blumenthal & Jessy Dover 48:10

3M ago48:10

48:10

When Jessy Dover sewed her own hot pink prom dress from Walmart fabric, she had no idea it would spark the vision for Dagne Dover—now one of the most functional (and stylish) handbag brands on the market. In this episode, Jessy shares her journey from Parsons to co-founding a powerhouse trio with Melissa Mash and Deepa Gandhi. From winning a Coach …

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159. Pati Dubroff | Beauty & Being 47:51

3M ago47:51

47:51

Pati Dubroff is an exceptional makeup artist who works with some of the biggest names in fashion and Hollywood. Her superpower is her ability to make women feel their most beautiful without ever “losing the person” underneath.By Laura Vinroot Poole

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What Really Makes an It Bag in 2026? Beth Goldstein Breaks It Down 🎒📊| Emily Blumenthal & Beth Goldstein 35:03

3M ago35:03

35:03

Think you know what defines an “It Bag”? Think again. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Beth Goldstein, Executive Director of Footwear & Accessories at Circana, joins Emily Blumenthal to unpack how social media has transformed the handbag market—and why a $299 Trader Joe’s tote can now claim the title. From viral hits to lasting brands, Beth…

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From One Bag to a Global Brand: Rebecca Minkoff on Building Fashion That Lasts 👜🌍| Emily Blumenthal & Rebecca Minkoff 39:16

3M ago39:16

39:16

What does it take to turn one handbag into a worldwide fashion brand? In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Emily Blumenthal sits down with the iconic Rebecca Minkoff to unpack the journey from her first design to building an empire that changed the handbag industry forever. It all started with the Morning After Bag—a now-legendary design born f…

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Best Sunglasses for High Cheekbones 👏 Stylish + Comfortable 4:57

3M ago4:57

4:57

SummaryIn this episode, the host discusses the challenges of finding stylish sunglasses that fit well for individuals with high cheekbones. She shares her personal favorites, including brands like Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Fendi, and emphasizes the importance of comfort and fit. The conversation highlights the difficulties faced by those with h…

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What It Really Takes to Launch a Handbag Brand in 2024 💼👜| Emily Blumenthal & Nancy Forman 37:56

4M ago37:56

37:56

Think launching a handbag brand is as easy as designing a pretty product? Think again. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we’re joined by industry expert Nancy Forman, whose decades of experience—from Bloomingdale’s to Accessory Think Tank—have made her a trusted voice in fashion strategy, manufacturing, and merchandising. Nancy doesn’t sugar…

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158. Mary Katrantzou | An Independent Voice 34:53

4M ago34:53

34:53

Mary Katrantzou is a London-based independent designer who has designed her namesake business for nearly 20 years and recently appointed Bulgari's first-ever Creative Director of Leather Goods and Accessories. Her story is an incredible lesson on focus, creativity and being responsible to your talent and your own voice.…

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How Kerri Quigley Built a Fashion Empire—One Kid at a Time 🧵✨| Emily Blumenthal & Kerri Quigley 38:56

4M ago38:56

38:56

What happens when an entrepreneurial spirit meets a passion for teaching? For Kerri Quigley, it led to The Fashion Class—a sewing and design school that’s igniting creativity and confidence in the next generation of makers. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Kerri shares her incredible journey from launching an underwear line at 17 to buildin…

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Inside Clare V.: How a DIY Laptop Case Sparked a Handbag Empire 🧵👜 | Emily Blumenthal & Clare Vivier 39:51

4M ago39:51

39:51

In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we dive into the story of Clare Vivier, the founder behind the effortlessly cool handbag brand Clare V.—a name synonymous with California style and functional fashion. What began as a side hustle crafting chic laptop cases has grown into a nationwide brand with 14 retail locations and a cult following. Clare…

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Vegetarian Protein Hacks for Fat Loss and Energy 22:18

4M ago22:18

22:18

In this conversation, Cholpon and Nivita explore the intricacies of a vegetarian diet, focusing on protein sources, the importance of macronutrients, and the balance between fat loss and nutrition. Nivita shares her journey into nutrition, the significance of exercise, and how mental health is influenced by diet. They also discuss the creation of s…

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157. Melissa Morris | Redefining the Handbag 41:37

4M ago41:37

41:37

Melissa Morris is the founder of a luxury leather goods company, Métier. Her unique way of coming to fashion through sculpture and business has created a completely innovative handbag. Find us on Instagram: @whatweworepodcast @shopcapitol Or on the web: www.shop-capitol.comBy Laura Vinroot Poole

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How Monica Botkier Turned a Side Hustle into a Handbag Legend 🔥👜| Emily Blumenthal & Monica Botkier 59:43

4M ago59:43

59:43

Before every influencer had a brand and every bag had a waitlist, there was the Botkier Trigger Bag—an iconic design that redefined what it meant to blend fashion and function. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Monica Botkier joins us to share the real story behind one of the most game-changing handbag brands of the early 2000s—and how she’s…

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How to Choose the Perfect Hat for Royal Ascot and Royal Ascot tips in 2025 | Exclusive Interview with Milliner Sarah 31:51

5M ago31:51

31:51

In this engaging conversation, Cholpon and Sarah discuss the art of hat making, particularly in the context of the upcoming Royal Ascot. Sarah shares her journey into millinery, the importance of choosing the right hat, and the trends for this season. They explore the significance of comfort in fashion, the sourcing of materials locally, and the re…

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From Street Interviews to Red Carpets: How @TheeFashionMix Became Fashion's Digital Insider 🎤👠| Emily Blumenthal & Michaela “Ms. Mix” Cacho-Negrete 29:18

5M ago29:18

29:18

What does it really take to go from fashion fan to front-row reporter in today’s content-saturated world? Michaela Mix Caccia Negrete—better known as Ms. Mix of The Fashion Mix—proves that bold moves and relentless hustle still open doors. After being rejected from nearly 70 NYFW shows, she didn’t turn around—she turned up. With a mic in hand and s…

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"Longevity, Motivation & Biohacks: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive | Sam Greene x Cholpon" 59:59

5M ago59:59

59:59

Summary In this conversation, Cholpon and Sam Greene explore various aspects of health, fitness, and longevity. They discuss the challenges of motivation for exercise, the importance of muscle training, and the impact of nutrition on overall health. The conversation also delves into the role of organic foods, the necessity of supplementation, and t…

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"The Cape That Changed Everything | How Tessy Built Sustainable Fashion Brand Human Highness” 24:42

5M ago24:42

24:42

Summary In this engaging conversation, Tessy shares her journey of creating Human Highness, a fashion brand focused on empowering women through unique, sustainable clothing. She discusses the importance of craftsmanship, organic materials, and the personal relationships that drive her production process. Tessy also reflects on her recent recognitio…

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From Ghost Designer to Brand Builder: How Karen Cardoso Created Bolsa Nova 👜🇮🇹 | Emily Blumenthal & Karen Cardoso 27:02

5M ago27:02

27:02

What happens when you walk away from decades of designing for other people—and finally bet on yourself? Karen Cardoso spent 30 years behind the scenes designing handbags for household names like Jessica Simpson and Franco Sarto. But when tariffs upended her production plans, she didn’t fold—she pivoted. That moment sparked the creation of Bolsa Nov…

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Luxury with a Past Life: How Evey Amery Built a Global Pre-Loved Handbag Empire ♻️👜 | Emily Blumenthal and Evey Amery 27:22

5M ago27:22

27:22

Step into the booming world of pre-loved designer handbags with Evey Amery, founder of EveysPreLoved, the London-based luxury consignment business redefining what “sustainable fashion” really means. 💼✨ From Chanel and Hermès to Fendi and beyond, Evey brings transparency, trust, and TV-presenter polish to a market where condition and authenticity ar…

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Reimagining Leather: How Gen Phoenix is Transforming Waste into the Future of Luxury 🧪♻️| Emily Blumenthal and Elyse Winer 32:01

6M ago32:01

32:01

Join Elyse Winer of Gen Phoenix as she reveals the groundbreaking technology turning discarded leather waste into high-performance recycled materials used by Coach, Dr. Martens, and more. 🌍👜 Since 2007, Gen Phoenix has diverted over 10,000 tons of leather from landfills using a patented process that creates sustainable leather with 80% less carbon—…

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Making Luxury Bags in America with GiGi New York’s Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson 39:35

6M ago39:35

39:35

Join Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson, the leadership behind Graphic Image and GiGi New York, as they reveal how they transformed a specialized bookbinding company into a thriving luxury handbag brand—all while proudly keeping production 100% American. 🇺🇸💼 With smart pivots during the 2009 recession and a bold embrace of modern retail strategies like d…

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156. Brett Heyman | Fashion Meets Cannabis 38:15

6M ago38:15

38:15

Brett Heyman of Edie Parker is an energetic entrepreneur who started with handbags and is now passionately forging her way into the cannabis business.By Laura Vinroot Poole