Episode 79 - Emily Blumenthal – The “What Now” Moment

Handbag Designer 101 – is synonymous with Emily Blumenthal as she has done it all. What makes her different is that she takes her creations one step further in teaching not only HOW to design…but what to do next with your creations. Born and raised as a New Jersey Girl, she now makes her home on the lower East side of New York.

(2:55) It was the entrepreneurial spirit that her parents instilled in her that got her on her way to where she is today. Hear how ADHD helped her along the journey.

(4:24) Who else was an influence on her? Well, both parents of course in the garment industry…and there was more as her whole family were entrepreneurs!

(6:05) What were her first creations? Well…first she learned how to find things to sell.

(7:28) So, why did she choose to design handbags? Necessity is the mother of invention – combined with dance parties!

(8:47) What’s her process for design? She tells us about this and how Kate Spade had a hand in things with her.

(13:50) Learn the difference between a utility patent and a design patent!

(14:50) How are the various designers she works with? They are “all the same”! And she offers words of caution and advise for those who create.

(16:55) Emily works with investors and provides counsel to designers about the future. How does this work? She also explains why items in color cost more than items in black or white.

(22:35) And then there’s the “what Now” moment. Emily explains what this is and how to manage it.

(23:30) Emily is a podcasted…Handbag Design 101. She takes us inside this show.

(25:41) Why did the New York Times call her the Handbag Fairy Godmother?

(39:59) The handbag awards launched the careers of multiple designers. Emily tells us about some of them!

(31:55) Kidpreneurship and Savvy Suzanna. What are these? Emily tells us.

 (35:54) What’s next for Emily? How about an Out of Office on her email!

(37:56) And what didn’t I ask…?

(39:00) How do you find Emily? HBD101 on Facebook and Handbag Designed on everything else.

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.