About

Hi, I’m Jillian, and I have a confession…. I’m a purse-a-holic.

As cheesy as that may sound, I can’t think of a better term to describe my new found obsession with handbags.

My affinity for designer handbags started after I landed my first job after graduating from college.

I wish I could give you all this gritty and inspirational story, where I moved to New York City with only $20 in my bank account, and I was able to use my determination and writing chops to land a job working at Vogue.

Sadly, life has a way of humbling you and making you rethink the notion that you can do ANYTHING in life as long as you put your mind to it. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s somewhat true. I spent most of my senior year of college applying to jobs and internships in New York City. If I didn’t get an email rejection saying the company was looking for a writer with more experience, I was ghosted, leaving me with that disappointed and helpless feeling that my application was somewhere hidden in the deep holes of a virtual abyss.

To make my sob story, short. I decided to stay in Northeast Ohio and find a job to help pay for my one-bedroom apartment and my everyday expenses. My first somewhat grownup job was at the Coach Outlet.

While working at the lovely, original American House of Leather or the American House of Coated Canvas ( The majority of the bags at the outlet are canvas and fabric), I found myself being attracted to the out-of-season retail bags we received.

Before working at Coach, I didn’t care too much about purses. The only designer handbags I had were two Rebecca Minkoff totes and a Kate Spade satchel.

After a few months at Coach, I found myself falling in love with the smooth glove-tanned leather, shiny turnlocks, and rich color. Plus, it gave me confidence in myself that designer clothes didn’t. Unlike clothes, it doesn’t matter how much weight I gain or lose, or what my body shape is, I’ll always be able to carry a gorgeous bag.

I guess you can say the rest is history.

I used my employee discount to build a nice collection of handbags, which I continue to sadly grow (I’m running out of room to store my bags).

This blog is dedicated to everyone who may not be able to drop close to a thousand dollars on a Gucci bag but still want to find that bag that leaves them in awe, gives them confidence and makes them appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of an everyday item.

Handbag Honey is your go-to destination for current events in the handbag industry, inside secrets or what I would like to call the ‘tea’ on what your favorite brands won’t tell you, shopping advice, reviews, and tips on how to find the perfect handbag that makes you feel as sweet and smooth as honey.

Enjoy!

Jillian