Our Story

Charlotte Elizabeth’s journey began in the winter of 2013, when Charlotte, a teenager from Hertfordshire, faced a life-changing challenge. After leaving school to undergo heart surgery, she her plan to complete her schooling and continue into University was no longer tangible. With the surgery resulting in a plethora of chronic illness, Charlotte was limited in her next path in life. Confined to the four-white walls of her bedroom, she had a vision to create a luxury handbag brand, named partly after her grandmother and inspired by the photos of her youth, wearing classic-style, top-handled handbags. From her bedroom, armed only with her laptop and a vision, she founded Charlotte Elizabeth - a brand born out of a desire to create luxury handbags and accessories that embody timeless design, exceptional quality, and longevity. She believed in creating luxury pieces that go beyond seasonal trends, a handbag that was designed to fit into everday life and extra special days, to ensure true flexibility in wear.

Charlotte’s entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering belief in Charlotte Elizabeth through even the darkest days paid off as she built the business from the ground up, selling thousands of units to both national and international markets. Despite the challenges, her dedication to crafting handbags that transcend fleeting fashions resonated with customers worldwide. Since launching in 2016, Charlotte Elizabeth has become a global success, with its designs spotted on influential figures such as Meghan Markle, Queen Camilla, and Zara Tindall. Charlotte’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a vision that continues to inspire those who believe in the power of pursuing a dream, no matter the obstacles.

As the brand grew, Charlotte quickly outgrew her stockroom—initially just her wardrobe, under her bed, and the dining room table at her parents' house. What began as a dream in her bedroom soon blossomed into an internationally recognized brand, with requests from some of the world’s most prestigious retailers. But like many businesses, Charlotte Elizabeth faced its toughest test when the pandemic hit. With retailers pulling back and supply chain disruptions causing raw material prices to skyrocket, Charlotte was forced to take the reins alone once again. Manufacturers raised order quantities, payment terms shifted, and importing/exporting became increasingly difficult. Yet Charlotte remained determined to keep her dream alive.

To keep the business afloat, Charlotte worked three babysitting jobs while managing the brand solo. She knew that every challenge was part of the process, and that the passion and creativity that had driven her from the very beginning were still the heart of Charlotte Elizabeth. What kept her going, even when everything seemed stacked against her, was the loyal community she had built over the years. Their unwavering support reminded Charlotte that her brand wasn’t just a business—it was a story of resilience, creativity, and connection.

Charlotte’s journey wasn’t without personal struggle. In 2019, she underwent a second heart surgery, which brought with it significant mental health challenges. In the midst of recovery, Charlotte made a life-changing decision: she followed a personal dream to move to Cornwall and live in a cottage by the sea. This change of scenery, combined with her newfound focus on physical and mental health, allowed Charlotte to find a renewed sense of balance and inspiration. Today, at 30, Charlotte has rediscovered the joy of creating. Living surrounded by nature, she is designing from her home, finding new inspiration in the landscapes around her. Though her journey has been filled with twists and turns, the core of Charlotte Elizabeth remains unchanged: a commitment to quality, timeless design, and the belief that anything is possible with resilience and passion.