Embark on a voyage through the fashion industry's transformative years with Mary Gehllhar, a beacon of sustainability and authorship in the world of handbag design. We reminisce about a time when designers were sculpted by the hands of GenArt and not just the glow of social media screens. Revel in Mary's tale of a Midwest dreamer turned Bloomingdale's merchandising guru in New York, where connections were the golden thread in the tapestry of fashion success. We even skirt the edges of a postal bag design challenge with USPS, marrying fashion with cultural and business staples.The runway to fashion entrepreneurship is rugged, but for those with a penchant for risk and a knack for networking, the rewards are limitless. We guide you through the maze of entry-level hustle to the adrenaline of strategic career leaps, all while painting the landscape of an ever-shifting industry. From economic turbulence to the pivot toward creative independence, Mary shares pearls of wisdom on fostering sponsorships and navigating event management with finesse and fervor. It's a masterclass in the tenacity and passion needed to earn the title of industry connoisseur.As we draw the curtains on this episode, we turn our gaze to the kaleidoscope of success and sustainability—where personal values meet the rigors of the runway. I reveal the art of connecting with your customer's heartstrings and constructing a brand that resonates beyond mere transactions. Small brands, we find, are the unsung heroes of innovation, leading the charge in sustainable practices and quality craftsmanship. This episode weaves together the narrative of intentionality in fashion design, urging aspiring creators and seasoned entrepreneurs alike to sew sustainability into the very fabric of their brands.Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marygehlhar/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