Leaving a successful career in technology and pursuing a long-held creative ambition is no small step, but that’s exactly what Sarah Haran did.
Today she runs the British luxury accessories brand that bears her name and is known for its craftsmanship, color and a modular design concept that offers customers “one bag, endless looks.”
From her studio to the atelier in Istanbul, where each piece is handcrafted from Italian leather, Haran has created a label defined not only by design but also by purpose: handbags that bring joy into women’s lives, offering both style and versatility. With a loyal following across the UK and US, she has carved out a niche based on quality, creativity and customer loyalty.
What are you currently doing at Sarah Haran Accessories?
As founder and CEO, Haran occupies the unusual space where corporate discipline meets creative freedom. She continues to design each collection, lead the brand’s creative direction and oversee marketing. She ensures that every touchpoint reflects the core values of joy, versatility and craftsmanship.
“No two days are the same,” she says. “Maybe I test new patterns in the morning and do a live styling session in the afternoon. This mix of communication and creativity energizes me.”
Her focus, she explains, is unwavering: making handbags that are as functional as they are beautiful. From the leather quality to the color palette to how each piece adapts to the customer’s day, Haran is intimately involved in every detail. “It all revolves around one idea: making women’s lives easier and bringing them joy at the same time.”
What was the inspiration for your company?
The spark came from a personal frustration: the struggle to find a handbag that was luxurious yet practical, stylish yet adaptable. “I wanted something that could evolve throughout the day without having to change bags,” says Haran. This desire became the basis of her modular handbag system, which allows women to customize their look with interchangeable accessories.
Two years of development followed, during which every element was refined by experienced craftsmen until function and elegance were perfectly balanced. The result is a collection that not only suits every occasion, but also empowers its wearer.
Their purpose remains clear. “We talk about giving women ‘bags of joy’ – and that comes from listening to our customers. I’m constantly inspired by their stories and how the bags fit into their lives. It’s about much more than just handbags – it’s about helping women feel confident, organized and joyful every day.”
Who do you admire?
Haran’s influences are diverse and based on respect for women who embody resilience, ambition and kindness. “My mother showed me that drive and compassion can go hand in hand,” she remembers.
She cites her admiration for the Queen’s quiet loyalty and sense of duty, Victoria Beckham’s reinvention and work ethic, and Katie Piper’s extraordinary courage and optimism. She also thanks broadcaster Anthea Turner for her generous support of the brand and her ability to stay relevant with grace.
Closer to home, Haran praises Lynne Kennedy of Business Women Scotland for her work championing women entrepreneurs. But it is her own customers who inspire her the most, she says. “Some have been there from the beginning. Their loyalty and encouragement are a constant motivation.”
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
“If anything, I would have started earlier,” admits Haran. “Building a brand takes a lot longer than people expect – it’s years of learning, refining and maintaining resilience.”
Still, she quickly recognizes the value of her career so far. Her years in the technology industry taught her discipline, strategic thinking, and the structural fundamentals needed to sustainably scale a business. “Although an earlier start would have accelerated growth, I am grateful for what these corporate years have given me.”
If she could advise her younger self, she would keep it simple: Be patient, constantly learn, and recognize that every challenge strengthens the path ahead. “Every day is truly a school day – the journey is longer and more difficult than you imagine, but every lesson counts.”
What defines your way of doing business?
One word, says Haran, sums it up: joy. It runs through their designs, their brand communications and their approach to customer relationships. “Luxury shouldn’t feel cold or distant,” she explains. “It should feel uplifting, thoughtful and truly personal.”
She places great value on fairness, friendliness and creativity and prioritizes long-term relationships over quick successes. Whether she’s working with her team, suppliers or customers, the goal is to build a brand that people want to be a part of.
“The company was founded on the idea of joy, and it continues to guide every decision. Leading with joy changes the way you design, work and grow.”
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Her first piece of advice is deceptively simple: start before you feel ready. “There is no perfect moment,” she says. “Progress comes from doing, not waiting.”
She recommends finding a clear sense of purpose, something consistent to return to on difficult days. For Haran, that purpose is to help women feel confident through design.
She also emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your values, who challenge you in the right ways, and who believe in your vision. “Listen to advice, but trust your instincts. Stay curious. Building a business requires constant learning – and you just don’t know what you don’t know. Forgive yourself as you move forward.”
