Today we’d like to introduce you to Taleen Akopyan.
Hi Taleen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Our original storefront in Malibu was established over 35 years as a cobbler shop by my father-in-law, and over the years my husband, Levon, and his team grew the business to so much more than just shoe repair, we worked on handbags, shoes, luggage, and sometimes leather furniture!
As the clientele grew, so did our geography, and folks across the nation were calling to get their favorite designer handbags and shoes restored, so I stepped in and co-founded PurseRehab.com. My background in finance and business strategy helped a great deal in the build-out of our online technology which included our website and social media.
I’ve always been interested in how technology can help people communicate better, and the thought of modernizing an ancient craft using technology was very intriguing to me!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Maintaining and growing a business in CA isn’t easy, challenges whether it be financial, employee-related or simply keeping a balanced family and work life are daily struggles. Add to the mix, starting an online spin-off with the goal of expanding our services nationwide around the time of the Pandemic presented a unique set of challenges.
Not all bad, though! As folks were home organizing and cleaning their closets, PurseRehab.com was gaining lots of traction and attention. The challenge was ensuring our process and people were efficient and most importantly SAFE and taking all necessary precautions to carry out the demand!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are a premier Luxury Handbag and Shoe Restoration Service, Provider. Specializing in intricate repairs and restoration of all leather types including exotics, canvas, and fabric.
I’m most proud of how we treat our clients, “like we wanted to be treated” and give them a “superb experience” from start to finish. Every handbag has a story to tell, whether it’s the first trip to Paris, a Wedding Gift, Anniversary, a Grandmother’s bag being passed down, first designer handbag. I love hearing these stories and having an opportunity to allow our customers to re-live their happy moments is extremely gratifying!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Clearly, no one was prepared for the pandemic, especially a small business such as ours. Our Malibu location did experience substantial financial hardship as a result of the pandemic, but the most interesting lesson for me was the idea of building out our Online Presence!
Optimizing our website and social media channels to attract and engage with our national and global audience without having to step foot into our shop was the silver lining! The strategy helped us remain and grow our business and retain the majority of our employees!
Contact Info:
- Website: WWW.PURSEREHAB.COM
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/purserehab
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PurseRehab
- Youtube: PURSEREHAB
- Yelp: PURSEREHAB
