Vera Bradley Founder Explains How She Started a Billion-Dollar Brand After 40 |Over 50 & Flourishing
This week, I’m joined by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, co-founder of Vera Bradley, to hear the story behind the brand and the woman who helped build it. What started as a simple observation at an airport would become one of America’s most beloved lifestyle brands. In 1982, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and her friend and business partner Patricia Miller noticed that every piece of luggage looked the same: boring, black, and bland. That moment sparked the idea for Vera Bradley, built on the belief that color could change how you feel. Together, we talk about entrepreneurship, ambition, motherhood, success, and the lessons Barbara learned along the way. It’s an insightful conversation about what it really takes to build something lasting, and what can happen when your dream changes your life in ways you never expected. Chapters 0:00 –Welcome Barbara Bradley Baekgaard 2:41 –The Airport Moment That Sparked It All 7:03 –Starting a Business in Her 40s 19:20 –Naming the Brand After Her Mother 24:17 –Customer Stories: Bonding Over Vera Bradley 30:14 –Move Fast Without Overthinking 32:58 –Know When to Say No 34:45 –Does She Have A Favorite Pattern? 43:10 –When the Company Went Corporate 47:03 –Creativity Has No Expiration Date 51:57 –Mom's Wisdom: Buy What You Love 55:47 –"Just Do It" 57:17 –Words of Advice For more on Barbara, follow her on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verabradley Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@verabradley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verabradley Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/verabradley Thanks to my Sponsors: -OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code FLOURISHING at https://www.oneskin.co/FLOURISHING #oneskinpod -Auri Nutrition: Visit https://tryauri.com/flourishing - your discount, up to 42% off your first purchase, applies automatically at the link -Just Ingredients: Visit https://justingredients.com/FLOURISHING and use code FLOURISHING for 20% off your first order -Cozy Earth: Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code FLOURISHING for an exclusive 20% off -BiOptimizers: Go to https://Bioptimizers.com/flourishing and use code FLOURISHING for 15% off your order -Acely: Visit https://Acely.com and use code OVER50 for 20% off -Nobl: NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind - security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to https://NOBLTravel.com for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad Keep in Touch: Website: https://dominiquesachse.tv/ Book: https://dominiquesachse.tv/book/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/dominiquesachse/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DominiqueSachse/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dominiquesachse?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dominiquesachsetv Have a question for Dominique? Submit it here for a chance to have it answered on the show! https://forms.gle/MpTeWN1oKN8t18pm6 Interested in being featured as a guest? Please email courtney@dominiquesachse.tv We want to make the podcast even better. Help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4 Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Produced by Dear Media. ------------------------------------- Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subdominique Watch the latest videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKUX44R3MbuSYHIQgfhzmQ9dOJI_c3N7L&playnext=1&index=2 Watch more Dominique Sachse: Beauty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDHJ901QU_Q&list=PLKUX44R3MbuSDQV7BzvQxMrVeVZfGBCcD Lifestyle Tips & Tricks: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKUX44R3MbuR3sX61i9QiwnOBr61tEMc_&playnext=1 Most Popular: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKUX44R3MbuTDh-LeJThrmz5XBrjQxbob&playnext=1 Follow Dominique Sachse: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dominiquesachse Instagram: https://instagram.com/dominiquesachse Facebook: https://facebook.com/DominiqueSachse Check out my website: http://dominiquesachse.tv You can order a copy of my new book LIFE MAKEOVER - Embrace The Bold, Beautiful, & Blessed YOU here: https://www.dominiquesachse.tv/book/ Each product I feature is something I have used and loved and wanted to share with you. I choose 100% of the products I feature and do not ever recommend anything I haven't personally used myself. Links in my description may be affiliated and are a wonderful way to show your support, allowing me to continue spreading beauty and boldness. About Dominique Sachse: Welcome to the official Dominique Sachse YouTube channel! On this channel, you’ll find inspiring “Yes, you can do it!” tips for transformative hair and makeup, fashion - and health and wellness related content for the mature woman who’s in her PRIME! I enjoy sharing my life with you through my vlogs, how-to live YOUR best life through Q & A videos and so much more, all with a touch of faith and affirmation. #DominiqueSachse #Podcast #VeraBradley
