We were lucky to catch up with Hilary Eiseman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Hilary thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

My motto is, if there is no risk then there is no reward. Do what you love and it will serve you well. I only sell things I feel or of great quality and make me proud. That way, I’m really not selling anything at all. I’m sharing some of the coolest things and allowing the customer to make a decision for themselves.

Hilary, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

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. 12 years ago, Hilary started buying and selling as The Purse Lady full time and has never looked back. Be sure and check out the ensure www.shopthepurselady.com, @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, Cashiers Benefit Antique Show, and featured at Fieldshop Garden and Gun. You are sure to learn much and have a great time! Maybe take home a collectible treasure!

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

During the downturn of the economy in 2008, I found myself without a job and falling behind quickly. I was 3 car payments behind and I really had to think quickly on my feet. I did get help from family and friends but I also found that I needed to do some drastic measures. I sold my personal collection of handbags and raised enough capital to save my vehicle From being repossessed. From that show on, people were asking what I’d be bringing to the next show. I started my business without even really knowing it. I would buy a bag for $10 that I would sell for $50. I was still looking for what I thought was my real job.. It wasn’t until my dearest friend said to me that my calling was right in front of my eyes. I. I stopped looking for another job and put all my heart and soul into building this business.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I know what it is like to be a customer. And I want to treat those customers with the same amount of respect that I would want myself. I am very transparent and open about any defects or flaws that may occur within the vintage product. I also stand behind what I sell. I get everything authenticated and I stand behind selling authentic goods. If there is ever a problem that arises, I really make sure that the customer feels that they are well taken care of.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopthepurselady.com
• Instagram: @thepurseladyatlanta
• Facebook: www.facebookcom/thepurseladyatlanta