In Conversation with....Sarah Haran the vision who turned everyday function into an art form

They say necessity is the mother of all invention, and this rings true in the case of the lovely Sarah Haran. Journalist, and self confessed bag lady Raj Gill (she could give Imelda Marcus a run for her money when it comes to handbag and shoe collections), had the pleasure of visiting Sarah at her fabulous Paisley showroom to learn more about her journey that led her to starting and creating a successful handbag brand.

RG: What inspired you to start your own handbag line, and how did you identify your niche in the market?

SH: To be honest it began as a hobby, I’d always loved handbags but could never find one that truly met all my needs. While working in corporate my personal passion for bags, became a business idea as I contemplated that I might not be the only woman with this challenge. After years of travelling with multiple bags I realised that the right bag was essential, one that was beautiful, functional and versatile enough to take me from day to night with ease. During my research I realised that most luxury bags are designed to be admired, not necessarily lived with, so I decided to create a range that celebrated luxury craftsmanship yet provided versatility by fitting seamlessly into a woman’s life.

RG: Can you walk us through your design process? How do you balance creativity with functionality in your pieces?

SH: Every design starts with a problem I want to solve. I think about how women actually use their bags — how they move through the day, what they need to carry, how a bag should feel on the shoulder or in the hand. Will it bring them joy and can I make sure that the interior is well thought out to store and file personal belongings. From there, I sketch ideas, making up a sample so I refine proportions and I test leathers and hardware until the balance feels right. Creativity is almost the easy part, but functionality is always the key and far more complex. My goal is to make something that looks beautiful but is also functional and moves you effortlessly from day to night

RG: Building a brand requires more than just great products. How did you approach marketing and brand storytelling to connect with your audience?

SH: From the very beginning, I wanted my brand to feel personal and human, I did not want to create a faceless company. Along with our key pillars of luxury craftsmanship and versatility, I focused on the joy of our bags and how they make you feel as you carry them. It sounds a little crazy, but as most of us always carry a bag with us when we leave our homes – a bag is probably the one accessory that we have with us at all times – if a bag could talk it would tell you about the life moments it’s witnessed. That for me became the joy of connection. So I leaned into this and started a community (our Bags of Joy Group) where our customers and other lovers of bags could connect and share their stories, and exchange styling tips, chat about where they have carried their bags and their plans for their bags. Our community has grown because customers feel part of something genuine, not just a transaction. I believe that when storytelling comes from the heart, people respond to it.

RG: What challenges did you face when scaling your business, and how did you overcome them?

SH: Scaling any business is a delicate balance and this one is no different. I had to find the right partners who shared my standards for craftsmanship and integrity, which took time. Managing growth without losing the personal touch was also a challenge. I overcame it by building a small, dedicated team and keeping our values at the centre of every decision. Our range is complex; every piece needs to fit not only for existing bags, but for bags that I designed right back at the start of my business. At the end of the day, you can’t rush true quality and customer care, so I’ve always chosen steady, sustainable growth over shortcuts.

RG: Sustainability is a growing concern in fashion. How do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your handbag production?

SH: We focus on creating bags that last. Each one is handmade using the finest Italian full-grain leather from tanneries that meet strict environmental standards. Our designs are intentionally modular, so instead of buying a new bag, you can restyle yours season after season with different accessories. That longevity and versatility are our form of sustainability — investing in quality over quantity.

RG: In a competitive industry, how do you differentiate your brand and maintain customer loyalty?

SH: Our concept of interchangeable accessories truly sets us apart. It allows women to express their personality and refresh their look without starting from scratch. Beyond the product, it’s the relationship we build with our customers that drives loyalty. Through our Bags of Joy community, live events and VIP experiences, women feel seen and valued — and that’s something money can’t buy.

RG: What role does mentorship or community support play in your entrepreneurial journey?

SH: It’s been vital. I’ve have been fortunate to have learnt basic business principle during my corporate career and I have had a supportive husband and family who have encouraged me to take risks. Our community themselves often feed into my design process and are always very supportive when I ask for their feedback and their enthusiasm keeps me motivated and grounded. I have also had some training from various programs such as Business Women Scotland, Brands of Tomorrow (via Walpole) and more recently the Goldman Sachs 100k SMB program. I am always keen to try to pay this help forward by supporting other women starting out in business.

RG: How do you stay inspired and continue to innovate in your designs?

SH: I find inspiration everywhere — in travel, architecture, nature, and of course, in the women who wear our bags. I’m always listening to what they need from their everyday accessories. Innovation for me isn’t about following trends, but about finding clever ways to make their lives easier and more joyful, while keeping our designs timeless.

RG: What advice would you give to aspiring designers looking to launch their own fashion brand?

SH: Start with your “why.” Understand what problem you’re solving and who you’re creating for, it will really help you create the right products. I also believe that every day is a school day – that’s how you learn. I think this mantra is really so important, as you really do not know, what you don’t know. Be prepared to work incredibly hard, and don’t be afraid of mistakes. Most importantly enjoy what you are doing.  

RG: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future of your brand, and how do you plan to achieve them?

SH: I want to continue growing our community and bringing our concept of one bag, endless looks to even more women around the world. I would love to have a bag in every office and board room. We’re also planning new collections, exciting collaborations and more in-person events to connect directly with our customers. My focus is on deepening that emotional connection — creating bags of joy for life’s every moment.

RG: What is the one question you wish a Journalist would ask, and what is the answer to that question?

SH: Why do women need another handbag brand?

You could argue they don’t really. But I would also add that they definitely do not need another ordinary handbag. What they need is a bag that evolves with them. I didn’t start Sarah Haran to add to the noise. I started my brand to solve a problem that no one else was addressing — how to bring style, save time, offer real versatility, and of course, self-expression into a single bag that can truly transform through your day. I’m not offering more choice; I’m offering a smarter choice.