Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry Icons

Motherhood Meets Handbags: The Story of Misenver | Emily Blumenthal & Shinyoung Park

• Emily Blumenthal

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What happens when you mix a mischievous spirit, versatile design, and a new baby? For Shinyoung Park, it led to the creation of Misenver —a handbag brand born at the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurial ambition.

In this inspiring episode, Shinyoung shares her path from fashion school in Korea to working in LA’s clothing industry, and how pregnancy became the push to finally launch her own brand. With Misenver  priced in the $200–$300 range, she’s found the perfect sweet spot between fast fashion and luxury, creating simple, versatile silhouettes paired with playful touches like her signature bunny sunglasses charms.

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Sometimes life’s biggest changes spark your boldest moves.


  • Smart pricing and standout details can define a brand.


  • Pop-ups and boutique partnerships build authentic connections.


  • Building a business alongside parenthood is messy—but worth it.


Our Guest: Shinyoung Park is the founder and designer behind Misenver, a handbag brand that blends simplicity, versatility, and playful details. Her journey from fashion school graduate to mompreneur highlights the grit, creativity, and balance required to grow a brand while raising a family.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com. 



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Speaker 1:

So Miss Denver is two words combined mischievous and versatile. So it's fun and functionality. That's like what I want in my brand. I don't want to be too crazy, but I definitely want to have some fun. Like when people look at my products, I want them to say, oh, it's so fun, it's so versatile. You know, but I do get a lot of comments like that when I'm in a pop-up market, like people loves it and say like, oh, I never seen these before, like my accessories.

Speaker 2:

Hi and welcome to Handbag Designer 101, the podcast with your host, emily Blumenthal, handbag industry expert and the handbag fairy godmother. Each week, we uncover the stories behind the handbags we love, from the iconic brands and top designers to the creativity, craftsmanship and culture that define the handbag world. Whether you're a designer, collector or simply passionate about handbags, this is your front row seat to it all.

Speaker 3:

Welcome Shin Young Park of Miss Denver to Handbag Designer 101, the podcast. Welcome welcome.

Speaker 1:

Hello, thank you so much for inviting me oh my God.

Speaker 3:

This is part of what makes this podcast so special, selfishly is that I get to talk to people like you, because without people like you, there's no newness, there's no innovation, there's no. This is what customers are looking for, and I think people tend to forget that this is where the innovation comes from totally agree. So how did you fall into your brand and how did it all get started?

Speaker 1:

So I graduated fashion in Korea and I worked as a clothing designer in LA. So my major is clothing design. I always love like innovating new designs. It has been my dream. I started with a bag because, of course, I love bags. But also, if I'm starting, you know, small from the beginning, it'll be easier to have like less variety. But yeah, I'm trying to make my own clothing line in the future as well.

Speaker 3:

But yes, how did you end up from Korea to LA, I, I mean, and did your parents approve of you studying fashion design? I know that's a hard sell to anybody, but any of my Korean friends it was like they had to put on a presentation for approval.

Speaker 1:

I mean, my parents were OK with anything that what I like, they would be OK. So, yeah, they were totally fine with it. I had no problem going into fashion. It's just so much fun for me. I had the opportunity to have an internship in LA when I was working in Korea after graduating from my university, yeah, after-.

Speaker 3:

Is that a big deal? That must have been a big deal to pack up and go to Were you like. Okay, that's it. I'm moving to the US. I'm done or I just stop by.

Speaker 1:

I used to live in America, minnesota for five years. When I was young, my dad was doing his PhD, so I always wanted to come back. I think my soul is in America, oh my God. Yes, look what they did to you. They still, my parents, all my family, live in Korea. Still, I came here to intern and then I met my husband, so I just that was it Staying here.

Speaker 3:

yes, that was it. What was your internship with? Was it a handbag or apparel?

Speaker 1:

It was a jeans company. They have a huge wholesale market in LA.

Speaker 2:

So denim.

Speaker 1:

Yes, denim. And then I have been like moving through different companies like clothing companies, jeans, and then like jersey, and I ended up quitting my job when I was pregnant and that's when I thought this is the time I should make my own brand, because it always has had been in my mind when I was in college, like when I was in university studying fashion. I always wanted to make my own brand because I love design, I love creating new stuff, I love to have fun with like materials and, yeah, you know, like when I had my kids, that was the most hard time, like I had to like devote so much time in it. But then I have to like make my own brand Like this is the right time, but it was not. But it went all good, it went hard.

Speaker 3:

Isn't that crazy. Like when you think back and you said okay, if I'm ever going to start a brand, it's got to be handbags, or did you start with apparel? I started with handbag, so how are you like okay, I've worked in apparel, I've worked in denim, why don't I start a handbag line, something I've never done before? How did that come to?

Speaker 1:

be. It is really crazy because I knew an owner who makes bags, the factory owner. So that factory also makes Claire V's handbags too and I thought it would be easier for me to start with a handbag, because I know someone in the factory. It's easier. It's way easier because it's so hard to like.

Speaker 3:

Just start everything from the bottom, like yeah, it's funny, you know, if you we actually the episode. A few episodes ago we had Claire V on the podcast.

Speaker 3:

Claire Vivier and she spoke about this infamous factory and said that without this factory she never would have been able to start her brand, start a business, because they were so integral in working with her, from like, let's do one bag, let's do this, let's try this out and they were able to work with her on such small quantities that she was able to grow her brand from that.

Speaker 1:

It's a factory in LA, yeah, exactly.

Speaker 3:

I suggest everybody go back and listen to that episode, just because it's so inspiring as to what could be done. I should too yes, she also started it when she was having her kid. Exact same story. It's nuts, though, when you think like okay, I don't have a day job, I just pushed this child out. Why don't I start a business while taking care of a newborn baby? Because I don't have enough to do.

Speaker 1:

You know, like when you reflect on that, don't you think you're insane? Yeah, I'm so. I'm so happy to hear like your view. Cause, like that's how I thought as well, like I would have made my own brand no matter what, but it was just that timing that I had to do it. I felt like I had to do it.

Speaker 3:

It was almost as if that you were seeing so clearly that it was nuts in itself. Like you know what, this is my time to start a business, Totally.

Speaker 1:

Yes.

Speaker 3:

Yeah, yes, how did you decide what the silhouette, how did you decide what materials? I mean, you're very fortunate, xinyang, that you were able to say and at least have an understanding of patterns and picking out material and pieces and how things come together. I don't like this. I don't like that Because you also have to temper how much of a pain in the butt you are to the factory because you want to give your feedback, but you don't want to give too too much feedback, because then that's crossing the line and you don't know like do I tell?

Speaker 3:

them this, or do I not tell them that, or do I wait for the next meeting to share this information? It's really stressful.

Speaker 1:

It is so stressful. I one time remember getting so frustrated I was like I was so angry about like how it turned out and then when I went to the factory, I was all smiling, like I wanted to like talk about it, but then, like, when I meet them, I just smiled at him. It's just so hard to really manage with the factory, but it was easier for me when I was manufacturing in LA. Right now I'm trying to make samples in Korea and manufacture it there and it's so much harder, like it's harder Even with you being native speaker. Yes, because I cannot be there. That is a problem. As you said earlier is so difficult. But, yeah, the benefit of speaking the same language with them in Korea. It's like much beneficial because I can't see other like people not speaking Korean trying to manufacture in Korea. There should be like a middle person to do it. Anyways.

Speaker 3:

How did you?

Speaker 1:

Sorry, go ahead. No, I was trying to say like how I design my own product and stuff, because that's what you were asking.

Speaker 3:

So how were you able to figure out, like, okay, I've just had a baby, I mean, at least in LA you drive. But what was your like? Aha, this bag is missing on the market. Now, if I'm going to start a business, it must be around this bag.

Speaker 1:

So, because I have been, like, I know how to make a pattern with closings, so it's much easier with bags too. Like I can make my own like pattern, like using a canvas, and then sew it, because I have a sewing machine as well. So I wanted to make a bag that will accompany with my closing line in the future. So something simple, something simple company with my closing line in the future. So something simple, something simple. I just wanted to make something simple and casual because it's made in LA, like LA people, what they can wear every day and I also put a logo on the bottom.

Speaker 1:

Emboss the logo on the bottom to stand out my brand and mostly the bag designs are simple and, like I, try to be more creative with the accessories. I don't know if you have seen my website. I have like this.

Speaker 3:

Yeah, yeah, yeah, of course, Of course.

Speaker 1:

Bunny charms that you can put your sunglass on. So I'm more creative with the small accessories right now, but the bags are pretty simple small accessories right now, but the bags are pretty simple.

Speaker 3:

Did you do? Because the challenges I have found for designers who are trained in design is that they struggle with the research part of it, meaning like to do a competitive analysis of what brands are similar and what price points I should potentially sell and what retailers or boutiques would potentially sell. And I'm not saying specific to you, I'm just saying my experience working with people who are designers as opposed to I have this great idea for a handbag and then they're forced to do all that extra work because they have no skill in developing a product. Did you put that work in of like, okay, here are the other brands that are similar to mine. Here's the price point I think my bag should be. Here's where it should be sold. Or was it like, okay, I'm going to make this first bag and then I'll just go from there?

Speaker 1:

So I did a little research and I was aiming on that market that will be like 200 to 300 bag lines that aren't too expensive, Retail Right, so something more expensive than fast fashion but less than higher ends that people can casually wear, but something that is well-made, well-designed, Because you know fast fashion is just like they just copy the trend and they make it fast and whatever you know, and it's cheaper because they do a mass production Right. But I want it to be something higher than that, but lower than the high fashion something higher than that but lower than the high fashion.

Speaker 3:

How are you able to come up with this? Because obviously two to 300 at retail is that that is absolutely a sweet spot. But I think you learn pretty quick that without having orders against it, it's very difficult to get economies of scale, meaning to make your prices lower in order for you to charge less, because that's really tricky it is.

Speaker 1:

So the reason I'm trying to manufacture in Korea now is because I find out the price range is not making much of profit, because I was just starting when I made that price point and I was making it in LA. So of course with a small batch in LA it is more expensive. So I don't want to price up my bags for at least what I have on my website. So that's why I'm trying to manufacture and maybe lower the cost a little bit.

Speaker 3:

So you essentially went into this with the strategic mindset of saying let my margin be smaller because I know I'll, in theory, be able to sell more.

Speaker 1:

So no, no, I mean I thought it wasn't enough margin when I was first selling because I was just starting and I have worked as a designer, so I didn't have the business mind. But while the business grows I have to put money in marketing and stuff and I find out the margin itself is not working.

Speaker 3:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

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Speaker 2:

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Speaker 2:

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Speaker 3:

So be sure to sign up at emilyblumenthalcom slash masterclass and type in the code PINECAST to get 10% off your masterclass today.

Speaker 3:

It's a hard reality and I think everybody struggles with it. It's a hard reality and I think everybody struggles with it. Even if you're you know what people would consider established that it's so much more than just the bag. It's like it's the. Now, what moment? Like, ok, I've gone through all this, I've killed myself, I've got the leathers, got the perfect leather, I've got the person to make the bag. Now I have a bag.

Speaker 3:

I think I know that I'm charging more or less the correct thing for D to C, maybe wholesale, maybe I won't make enough out of wholesale, but I know I need boutiques to carry because that's marketing. Oh damn, that way, Like, oh God, like, do I spend money on Facebook? Do I spend money on Google? Do I spend money? Do I try to figure out a TikTok for a behind the scenes? I mean, it's enough to put someone over the edge, like you know. Yes, totally, and it's one thing to have a baby, where you're essentially 24-7, but starting a business at the same time. There's genuinely no time to breathe, because then it becomes like baby bag baby bag, baby bag, bag, bag bag bringing the baby to the factory.

Speaker 3:

Sit there while I work with this.

Speaker 1:

you're okay, exactly. Oh, my goodness, you know it so well. Yeah, one time I went to a factory with my baby when he was so young, like we couldn't put him in the school yet, like his diaper got leaked, and that was the only time I didn't have a diaper in my bag. So I had to take him in the car seat again and then go buy the diaper and then come back to the factory. Yeah, so many episodes.

Speaker 3:

Tooth Factory. Yeah, so many episodes. I mean, if it makes you feel any better, I had that happen with one of my kids. Also didn't have a diaper and it's one of those things that you know the more kids you have, the less you bring with you, because you realize that diaper bags, much like huge weddings, are a scam, like it's just not necessary, you don't need a million different things. And it got to the point by the time I had my third kid, I was carrying around diapers and a Ziploc like whatever, and I didn't have it. And you know it is what it is. As moms we do whatever we have to and like he pooped and I didn't know what to do. And then I'm like, well, I'll clean the diaper, I'll wipe it, I'll put it back on him because I'm stuck at a factory and I didn't have anything else to do and you're like well, we've all survived a whole lot worse, yes, historically.

Speaker 3:

So he'll be OK, because you know what I have to be OK.

Speaker 1:

Yes, yes.

Speaker 3:

Got a business to run.

Speaker 1:

So it is what it is. Yes, I feel much better after hearing your story. I thought it was only me, you know, going through this crazy motherhood I mean childhood, yeah.

Speaker 3:

Well, and then you put him in the car seat. Mind you, we don't have a car. My kid would go back either wearing him in a stroller. And then you're pushing them and you're trying not to have a full-blown breakdown like what am I doing, what am I doing?

Speaker 1:

and then you look at a baby and you're like okay, whatever, I'm just gonna keep moving forward and I think it worked because I was even 10 years younger, so I had more, more energy. But now, if I think about it, I can't do it anymore.

Speaker 3:

It's like oh good god, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. So what would you say like at least 10 years in with this brand? And where did the name come from?

Speaker 1:

so Miss Denver is two words combined mischievous and perceptile. So it's fun and functionality. That's like what I want in my brand. I don't want to be too crazy, but I definitely want to have some fun. Like when people look at my products they want, I want them to say, oh, it's so fun, it's so versatile. You know, but I do get a lot of comments like that when I'm in a pop-up market, like people love it and say like, oh, I never seen these before, like my accessories.

Speaker 3:

What do you think of doing pop-ups? Do you like them? Do you hate them?

Speaker 1:

I think they're draining it is definitely hard, but I do enjoy it a lot because I get a lot of energy from people, like getting feedback and talking to them and just like showing them, because I feel like it's kind of one of a kind of marketing as well, because I'm really meeting people and I'm showing, I'm the owner and like how I design these and explaining, like about the materials or the design. So it's definitely fun for me. But I know it's because it's my own brand, it's because I have a passion, because when I bring helpers with me, like they will be very exhausted, like I can see them being very, very exhausted. They would not want to willing to come by themselves, you know, but it's my brand, so it is fun, but I don't know how long I will be doing it, but yeah, it is definitely good advertising. I meet a lot of good people, a lot of inspiration as well.

Speaker 3:

You know, just to continue off that thread I have found because pop-ups pop-ups have been around like I mean forever, but like the early 2000s, that's when they became like overall pop ups of everybody being in one place and then you know it would be at one place and then people would charge you for them.

Speaker 3:

And efficient if you join forces, if one joins forces with the boutique and then do it exclusively with them and then have it go out to their database and then this way you make it an exclusive event for their customers. And then you say and I talk about this a lot but you provide the wine, the cheese, the grapes, the crackers, the whole nibblies and then allow their customers to have a preview. And if you ask them to invite their best customer, tell them pick out whatever bag you want, you get it for free, ie the local influencer, but just bring your friend's family and then they can shop and enjoy a night of handbags, because this way, you know, you develop this amazing relationship with a store Right, and then you get this connection with the customers because you know they're coming there to shop, as opposed to having to put on that ta-da show with every single person going by where you have to be like this is me, this is my story, this is the letter, this is the bag over and, over and over again.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I totally agree, but that is. I think that is when the, the boutique itself, has a good customer themselves. Do you know what I'm saying? Because I I don't know if I should say this, but I went to the Wolf and Badger. Have you heard their brand?

Speaker 3:

Of course yeah, of course yes, yes, yes, yeah.

Speaker 1:

They had a store in New York and they asked to do a pop-up there, but they just didn't have much of traffic for traffic.

Speaker 3:

So I understand, because there's a few places like a Wolf and Badger that do that. Where there's multiple brands within, it's like almost like a multi-brand showroom, but it's open for customers as opposed to B2B. I think the problem with that? It makes it tricky because it's such a huge space and they've so much right. I feel like sometimes it's a lot more effective to do it with like a hometown hero boutique, like one that you know, has a loyal customer base, one that knows their people, the ones that you know.

Speaker 3:

The customers come in and are excited to see what's new because, much like how bookstores have made a comeback, boutiques have made a comeback too, because, yes, it's great to shop online, but it's that personalization, it's that one-on-one attention. So if you join forces with a local boutique, as opposed to, you know, people are going to like a Wolf and Badger because they know they may or may not find something unique. People go to their local boutique because that's where they go.

Speaker 3:

Right, there's a big difference and again no disrespect to Wolf and Badger. It's just a different kind of customer and it's a different kind of shopping experience a different kind of customer and it's a different kind of shopping experience.

Speaker 3:

So that's always what I say like take advantage of your local boutiques because they're your best PR, 100%. And then they appreciate that you're the one and you can always say, like any first bags I have, I'll come to you. First you know, and then you develop this lovely relationship because then you support each other and then they're more likely to want to buy from you because you're committed to them.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, that sounds like a perfect event for me, like if I can get to know any of the boutiques, like that, like I would totally do an event.

Speaker 3:

So, and I think that's one of the secret sauces that I think a lot of independent designers tend to forget about, because I had one designer I was consulting for, and she lived in Delaware, I think, and she kept saying oh you know, I need to come to New York to do to get to stores, I need to get there. She was a handbag designer and she just kept saying like there's nothing here, there's nothing here, there's nothing here. And I think a lot of people tend to forget that customers exist with money, or customers exist that want to buy things for themselves to feel special are not all in metropolitan cities, like when I had an incubator?

Speaker 3:

the fun fact is that most of the designers that had come through every time always come in with this mindset of saying that my customer is fabulous, she lives a fabulous lifestyle and it's almost as if she's adjacent to a new modern Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. And then the other thing I'll hear is well, my customer base is from 16 to 70, because a mom bought a bag for her daughter and a grandmother came in and bought the bag and sent a picture and the reality is there is a sweet spot for your customer age, and we always, as creators, need to remember that the people buying our product, the people who spend the money, nine times out of 10, are living in places that have a Walmart, a stop sign, a school, a church and a bar. So, remembering, there's always a local boutique where people want to buy fabulous things, where they cater to the local public. So I think it's always an opportunity to get to know whatever boutique is closest to you.

Speaker 1:

And then go from there. I totally agree with that Because also, like I mean, yeah, there is a sweet spot when I go to a pop-up markets, like people who loves those higher end products will not come to buy like small business stuff, it will be always a chill. Customers who always like to like, discover and discover, get to know the owners. Yes, those are our main customers, I will say.

Speaker 3:

Right, right, you're looking for the innovators, or the I forgot what the marketing term is for it. Now I'm brain farting this first customer, and that's the one that carries the influence that then trickles down to the other ones, because you need the ones to be the innovators who are bold, that will try something that nobody else has Exactly, exactly, yes, so you've been doing this for 10 years at this point, right? So your kids are older now, right?

Speaker 1:

My son is turning 10.

Speaker 3:

Oh, wow, okay.

Speaker 1:

So next month.

Speaker 3:

Oh wow, so it's a full, full circle moment.

Speaker 1:

It is yes.

Speaker 3:

What made you decide that, going through this 10 year cycle, that it was time for you to try and look to Korea for production?

Speaker 1:

Because the factory and manufacturing in LA has limits, because it's a small factory, they don't have all the different kinds of machines, and now I'm trying to design something different Because mostly it's simple. It will remain simple, but there's some techniques. When you make the bags, you need a certain kind of machines to sew. So, yes, so that's one of the reason why, like, and also as I said earlier, I'm trying to cut the cost a little bit down. But because I am not mass producing, of course the cost can't be that cheap and korea is not that cheap in general. But yeah, I'm definitely positive they will make more delicate bags than here. It's like a little different style.

Speaker 3:

Yeah, I mean, I listen, I am. And for those of you tuning in, shin Young's beautiful brand is going to be at our incredible it Bag X New York. Now for the trade show that's coming up in New York at the Javits Center August 3rd through 5th when this airs. It may or may not be before and or after that, but I'm very excited for buyers to learn about you and for new handbag fans to buy your bags. How can we find you? Follow you, learn more about your brand.

Speaker 1:

So we have a website, missenvercom, and I also have an Instagram M-I-S and the underscore E-N, underscore V-E-R, so you can always send a message through Instagram. I will reply. Or you can always send a message through Instagram, I will reply, or you can check our website.

Speaker 3:

Okay, and spell out your brand name for the website, just so everybody knows.

Speaker 1:

So it's M-I-S-E-N-V-E-R. Dot com, dot com.

Speaker 3:

Amazing Sinyoung. Thank you so much for joining us today. I can't wait for people to see more of what's to come.

Speaker 1:

Thank you so much for having us today. I can't wait for people to see more of what's to come. Thank you so much for having me.

Speaker 2:

Thanks for listening. Don't forget to rate and review, and follow us on every single platform at Handbag Designer. Thanks so much. See you next time.

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Emily Blumenthal

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