Julie Deane’s Tale from Kitchen Table to British Handbag Empire Part 1

“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 satchel's practical appeal. Join us to explore her intriguing life, living between Cambridge and the West Coast of Wales, where her garden's quince tree has become a community hub.

The conversation takes a twist as Julie offers insights into the business side of her handbag journey. She opens up about identifying a gap in the market for school satchels and how her mother’s early endorsement of her work-from-home lifestyle paved the way. Listen in as she recounts fascinating tales of convincing a skeptical manufacturer to produce her satchels, and the subsequent rush to find additional manufacturers to meet the demand for her bags.

In the final part of our chat with Julie, we delve into the complexities of scaling a handbag brand. She shares stories of her challenges, ranging from photographing bags for her website to dealing with knockoffs of her designs. Tune in to hear about her ingenious solution for showing the size of her bags using a banana for comparison and the defining moment when the New York Times labeled her bags a 'street style bag'. Julie's story is a testament to the power of determination and entrepreneurship, providing a wealth of inspiration for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs.” This is only Part 1. Stay tuned for the second half of Julie’s journey of what happens next.


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  / cambridgesatchel