This Must-Have Purse Brand Started in Indiana

I was today years old when I found out that one of the most popular purse brands in the world was created right here in Indiana.

My wife and sixteen-year-old daughter has taught me quite a bit about women's fashion over the years. My daughter,r especially because she has a specific style, and even her accessories tend to be something that she's very picky about. I'll give you an example. She has a backpack, wallet, bag, a lunchbox, and I am sure more items that all come from a certain brand that is one of the most recognizable in the accessory industry. So, when I found out that this brand was created right here in Indiana, I thought that it was pretty interesting.

This Must-Have Purse Brand Started in Indiana

When you think about some of the most iconic purse/accessory brands, there's Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton...you get the idea. One of those brands that I didn't mention is Vera Bradley. That's the brand that my daughter is so obsessed with, and if you haven't guessed by now, Vera Bradley was created right here in the Hoosier State.

Vera Bradley History

Vera Bradley was founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller. While traveling on vacation in March of 1982, the two were awaiting a flight in Atlanta when they noticed a lack of colorful, distinctive luggage. So, they put $500 worth of supplies together and created a company named after Barbara’s mother to design to manufacture and market colorful, high-quality handbags, luggage, and accessories for women.

Get our free mobile app

According to Classic Chicago Magazine, they sold $10,000 worth of product in their first year of operation, which rose to a million by the third year. By 2006, Vera Bradley was shipping $2 million a day in product, and in 2007 they established their first store in Nadick, Massachusetts. In 2010, Vera Bradley went public. What a success story that has been. brand retail stores, outlet stores, and specialty retail store locations all across the United States

Needless to say, Vera Bradley is a juggernaut in the handbag and accessory game, and it all got started right here in Indiana. In fact, they are still headquartered in the Hoosier State. Now, I am sure there are quite a few out there who may have known this story or at least that Vera Bradley is a company founded in Indiana. However, I'd be willing to bet that some folks (like myself) just learned something new today.