The term “future designer” or “next-gen entrepreneur” usually refers to fashion/ business students or those just starting their careers, but handbag author, consultant, entrepreneur and mom Emily Blumenthal is looking to Gen Alpha.
Her upcoming children’s book, “Savvy Suzanna’s Amazing Adventures in Handbags” (Genius Cat Books), was inspired by her own business-savvy daughter and encourages kids to try, try and try again as they explore different paths. “I want kids to know that it’s OK to fail, as long as you ‘fail fast and fail forward,’” said Blumenthal, host of Handbag Designer 101 Podcast and professor of entrepreneurship at Fashion Institute of Technology. “It’s all about how you pick yourself back up.”
In this charming and empowering book, illustrated by Claudia Varjotie, Suzanna sells painted shells, opens a backyard nail salon and ultimately starts a DIY handbag business after discovering a treasure trove of bags in her mom’s closet. When industry challenges — and the inevitable self-doubt — threaten to derail her, she learns to persevere.
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“I’ve been sitting on this story for many, many years, but there are very few books about entrepreneurship for kids, and there are absolutely no books about handbags,” Blumenthal said.
Established handbag designers give the book high marks for encouraging children to follow their dreams.
“This story is everything. Little me would have felt so seen — a total must-read for creative kids,” said Jessy Dover, designer and chief creative officer and founder of Dagne Dover.
Rebecca Minkoff, designer and founder of her eponymous label, was equally enthused. “From crafty beginnings to creating her hero bag, Suzanna’s journey inspires the young entrepreneurial spirit in all of us.”
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To further inspire, Fashion Angels is collaborating with Savvy Suzanna to create a build-a-bag kit that will help young readers put their creativity to work. “Savvy Suzanna’s Amazing Adventures in Handbags” is slated for publication in July, but is available for preorder now.
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