Physician Assistant Turns Love of Vintage Handbags into Thriving Side-Business (Exclusive)

**From Hobby to Business: Hannah Lee’s Journey with Vintage Coach Handbags**

Hannah Lee, a physician assistant based in Washington, never anticipated that her passion for collecting and restoring vintage Coach handbags would blossom into a prosperous resale business. What began as a personal endeavour to reduce her collection took a transformative turn at a local flea market, changing the course of her hobby forever.

Lee, now a 34-year-old entrepreneur, initially dedicated her leisure time to searching for rare Coach bags, meticulously restoring them and adding them to her growing collection. Despite her enthusiasm, she never envisioned that this hobby would evolve into a full-fledged business. Today, she runs “The Leather Doc,” a vintage resale store, while maintaining her role in advanced heart failure and transplant medicine.

Like many collectors, Lee eventually found herself short on space as her collection flourished. When Tacoma Flea announced vendor applications, she seized the opportunity to sell a few handbags she no longer needed. Her plan was simple: engage with fellow vintage aficionados and move a few items from her personal stash. However, she was taken aback when customers flocked to her stall. By 11 a.m., she had nearly sold out, despite the market still being in its early stages.

Reflecting on that event, Lee asserts it was more than just fortuitous timing. “I just happened to have expertise in something people suddenly wanted,” she explained. Lee’s knowledge of vintage Coach handbags had developed over many years spent studying how to authenticate older models, identifying rare colours, and restoring damaged leather. By the time the brand gained traction, she was well-equipped with the insights that collectors sought.

Transforming her passion into a business presented its own set of challenges. Lee estimates she has invested around £10,000 in vintage collections, often buying large amounts before physically seeing the items. Although she is reticent about the business’s earnings, she notes that demand remains far greater than she originally anticipated.

One significant purchase stands out for Lee: a £3,000 investment in approximately 40 pounds of vintage Coach bags after connecting with a seller online. “It definitely felt risky,” she expressed, emphasising the importance of trusting one’s instincts. Occasionally, these risks yield substantial rewards, as illustrated when she purchased a rare Coach bag from Depop at just £50, later discovering it was valued at between £1,500 and £2,000.

However, for Lee, it is not solely the monetary value of the bags that she cherishes. Many of her purchases come with personal stories from the sellers, adding emotional depth to the items. Some recount how their bags accompanied them at their first job, while others share memories of a beloved mother who owned a similar style. Lee conveys her appreciation for being entrusted with items that hold significant sentimental value for their previous owners.

The nostalgia associated with vintage Coach handbags resonates deeply with her customers. Lee frequently witnesses shoppers connecting with treasured memories, such as calling a parent to share the joy of rediscovering a familiar style. “Vintage Coach is deeply nostalgic for so many people,” she remarked, noting how shoppers often recall their mothers carrying similar bags during their childhood or their own experiences during school or university.

For Lee, these personal interactions have become as rewarding as the act of refurbishing the bags. She finds joy in facilitating connections that remind people of their pasts, giving her business a deeper purpose than she had ever anticipated.

Balancing the demands of her medical career with the growing needs of her side business poses its challenges. Lee credits her family and support network, including her husband, mother, sister Sarah Turner, daycare services, and even a cleaner, for aiding her in managing both of her commitments.

As “The Leather Doc” continues to expand, Lee has no intentions of leaving the healthcare field. Instead, she hopes to inspire more consumers to explore second-hand shopping, appreciate the value of quality craftsmanship, and ensure that vintage handbags find new life. “The act of putting love back into an old item,” she remarked, “that’s priceless.”

In an age where fast fashion often prevails, Lee’s venture serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and history encapsulated in vintage items. Through her passion, she not only thrives as a businesswoman but also connects people with cherished memories tied to their beloved handbags.