From Nursing Babies to Working Moms: Sarah Well’s Handbag Revolution

Handbag Designer 101

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 pivotal moments and challenges that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit, ultimately leading her to create functional and stylish handbags that cater to the needs of modern mothers.
Creating a handbag brand is no small feat, and Sarah dives into the intricate details of sourcing materials, crafting the first sample, and the thoughtful process behind naming her brand. Emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and the iterative design process, she also highlights her supportive spouse and family's critical role throughout her journey. Listen as Sarah discusses the trials and triumphs of building strong, long-term relationships with manufacturing partners in China, supported by her consistent visits and firsthand knowledge of the factory environment. The narrative underscores the power of loyalty and personal connections in sustaining business success.
Joining the conversation, Emily Blumenthal, founder of the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass, shares her expert insights into the industry. Emily offers invaluable lessons on adaptability and innovation, particularly in evolving e-commerce strategies and personalized customer engagement. Discover how Sarah transitioned from her own website to utilizing Amazon’s services while maintaining a close-knit community and advocating for her niche market. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice and inspiring stories, perfect for aspiring handbag designers and entrepreneurs looking for a blueprint to success.

Follow Sarah:
https://sarahwellsbags.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahwellsbags/

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

Luvut

1. Handbag Designer 101 Podcast Interview (00:00:00)

2. Building a Handbag Brand Loyalty (00:12:42)

3. Entrepreneurial Journey of Handbag Designers (00:17:48)

4. Evolving E-Commerce Strategies and Advocacy (00:28:37)