Prepare to be enchanted by the story of a marketing student turned luxury handbag magnate as we sit down with Bobby Williams, the visionary president of Ghurka handbags. His tale is woven with threads of serendipity and hard-won insights, leading you through the tapestry of the fashion industry's high-stakes world. From navigating the voyage of prestigious luggage brand Hartman through its acquisition by Samsonite to the founding of Boconi with his dynamic entrepreneur wife Connie, Bobby's anecdotes reveal not only the fabric of his personal life but also the strategic moves behind creating a successful business in the face of intense competition.We then step into the classroom with the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass, guided by the expertise of Emily Blumenthal. Listen as she imparts wisdom earned from teaching aspiring designers at top fashion institutions and penning the essential 'Handbag Designer Bible.' The conversation pivots to the pivotal role of belief in the longevity of a brand, even amid the pandemic that swept across the globe, altering consumer behavior and the landscape of the travel accessories market. Bobby shares the secret ingredient that has allowed him to remain a stalwart figure in the handbag design world through ever-shifting trends and challenges.Our journey culminates with a glimpse into the future of Ghurka, as Bobby details their strategic maneuvers to introduce a refreshed, modern collection aimed at captivating a new generation. Discover how they are blending the revered heritage of their brand with a contemporary aesthetic, all while nurturing the loyalty of customers who have cherished their Ghurka bags for over four decades. This episode isn't just a peek behind the curtain of a luxury brand; it's a masterclass in the art of evolution, relevance, and the enduring power of a visionary at the helm.Follow Bobby: ghurka.com https://www.instagram.com/ghurka/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