Building Handbag Joy: How Peter Gryson Turned Vision Into a Global Label

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.

"I wanted to be successful, and that became my objective." That drive fueled Peter’s rise—and later, the creation of Joy Gryson with his wife, Joy. Together, they built a brand rooted in design passion, sharp market awareness, and an ability to evolve with consumer demand.

Key Takeaways:

Resilience Wins: Fashion is full of setbacks, but perseverance and adaptability open new doors.


Power of Partnership: Collaboration with designers and manufacturers is the backbone of quality and innovation.


Market Awareness Matters: Tuning into consumer shifts is essential to staying relevant worldwide.


🎧 Tune in now for insights on building a brand that balances creativity, strategy, and global growth.

Our Guest:
Peter Gryson is co-founder of Joy Gryson, a handbag brand with strong traction in Asia and beyond. With decades of experience in trend forecasting, brand development, and fashion leadership, he brings a unique perspective on how creativity and business acumen can drive long-term success.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com.