Meet Hilary Eiseman: The Purse Lady

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hilary Eiseman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hilary, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Being that I sell luxury vintage and antique handbags, I want a customer to feel comfortable with their purchase. That means that they are treated kindly and with respect. And the other component is that I sell a product that I really believe in and know will stand the test of time. Those two keys unlock the door for success.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
This was written about me and it sums it up beautifully… It doesn’t take long talking to Hilary Eiseman, The Purse Lady,  to know she is an expert on all kinds of purses. As a matter of fact, just stand in her shop and you’ll see everything from a sequined designer clutch ready for the Ball to an antique Doctor’s bag! Her knowledge of every era of “purse history” is evident as well as her delight to share her passion. The truly unique vintage purses and accessories date from circa 1800′s to 2000’s, all in pristine condition. From hand beaded, hand tooled, to lady like leather and exotic skins, she shows over 300 bags at a time and always brings over 40 “new” specially picked bags for each show. She is always on the lookout for great product and buys as well as sells. Hilary has been a collector for over 25 years. “I always knew the secret to a well-dressed woman was her choice in handbag.” She grew up in Marietta, went to college in Philadelphia for textiles, and was a retail buyer for companies such as Anthropologie and Rich’s. She worked all facets of the Fashion / Retail business for 18 years. 10 years ago, Hilary started buying and selling as The Purse Lady full time and has never looked back. Be sure and check out @thepurseladyatlanta on Facebook and Instagram , or at one of the 20 shows around the country.  Some of the shows include Scott Antique Market (2nd weekend of every month), Marburger Farm Antique Show, Raleigh Antique Extravaganza, and featured  at Fieldshop Garden  and Gun. You are sure to learn much and have a great time! Maybe take home a collectible treasure! Additionally, in my own words… During such an unprecedented time, my business is taken turns for better and worse. All of my shows have been cancelled for the rest of the year due to the pandemic. But on a positive note, it’s giving me the opportunity to build a website and create ideas for a more sustainable business going forward. Even in the darkest of days there are glimmers of light. I’ve learned through the many years of being an entrepreneur how to be more Nimble on my feet as well as creating opportunity when there are none to the naked eye. I am transitioning my business to go mainly online. This will allow for customers all over the world to experience the brand that I’ve built over the last 10 years. These are exciting times! Now customers can shop with me at any time that is convenient for them. They don’t have to catch me at a show, they can catch me online! www.shopthepurselady.com

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Eat: Nuevo Laredo Iberian Pig Seven Lamps Alma Cocina Buford Highway (Vietnamese, Thai, Malaysian) Glenda’s, located in North GA Places: Scott Antique Market Chattahochee River Sundial on a clear day and night to existence the city Piedmont Park Ponce City Market Marietta Square.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom! Hands down. She is always there to lend a helping hand as well as guide me through the challenges of being an entrepreneur. I would not be able to have grown my business through the last 10 years without her love and support.

Website: www.shopthepurselady.com
Instagram: @thepurseladyatlanta
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/hilaryeiseman
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepurseladyatlanta