Meet Emily Blumenthal

Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of "Handbag Designer 101," founder of The Handbag Awards, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Fashion Marketing, and creator of The Charmsters. She is also a mom of three and lives in the Lower East Side.

@charmstersnyc

What does joy mean to you?

Being grateful for the little things and simple pleasures, especially as a working mother where you are trying to keep everything going, and everyone happy.

What are some of the small things you celebrate?

Having kids with such a variety of ages - everything they do I truly believe is amazing, and staying calm throughout of the day is truly something to celebrate. It's important that they see how, as a woman and a mother, I navigate the good, the bad, the ugly, and how to push forward regardless of what comes at you.

Tell us about a really special time in your life, and why you treasure it.

Other than my kids, husband, and family - I am grateful for having a partner like Lindsay. It is hard to find someone and have a true meeting of the minds. We met through handbags and our passion for The Charmsters and what it means to girls is what brought us together. It is changing the landscape in diversity, representation, and girl empowerment, and that is something that I know means the world to us. To try to be an agent of change isn't easy, but we are here for it.

We all have trying moments. What is something positive you did or chose to focus on to keep you moving forward?

There are so many. After this pandemic, all I can do is wake up everyday and be grateful for what I have and try to be the best version of myself.

Tell us about someone who's been a positive influence
in your life.

Having run The Handbag Awards for 15 years and having a platform to thank those people, I think maintaining and protecting your family and foundation are the most important because that's what influences your life and your will to do better.

And we have to ask: what is your go-to Terez print?

The prints for Terez x The Charmsters collab are by far my most favorite.

Shop Terez x The Charmsters

Last but not least: what's your favorite cake flavor?

I will eat any cake put in front of me. The end.

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