For 12 years, Paul Braun perfected the art of customer service at Nordstrom where he rose through the ranks to become a buyer in the Women’s Shoe Department. In 1999, he set out to learn the wholesale business and sold Brighton Accessories and shoes to specialty stores across the Midwest and Northeast. He eventually became the National Sales Manager for My Saint My Hero based in California. In 2018, the owners of Purse Strings announced their retirement and would be closing their stores. This led to an opportunity Braun could not refuse. With a blended family of six kids and the opportunity to be home, Paul was ready to fulfill his dream of having his own retail store. In September 2018, Braun re-opened Purse Strings at Clay Terrace. His stores offer the latest trends in fashion accessories to both women and men in Hamilton County.
“I changed some of the lines to what I believed the Carmel and Westfield area could appreciate,” says Braun, noting that he wanted to offer options for everyone. Purse Strings sells 12 different handbag lines ranging from $29-$600.
In November 2019, Braun opened a second Purse Strings location at the Fashion Mall at Keystone. This past April, he opened a third store at Hamilton Town Center — allowing him to be even closer to home as he and his wife, Heather, reside in the Geist area.
“Purse Strings carries an array of items that are fresh and on-trend,” Braun says. “We sell handbags, jewelry, home accessories and even offer the latest selection of quality men’s products.”
With kids heading back to school, Purse Strings now offers Fjallraven Backpacks and accessories. Braun is excited to have this hottest trend for students at all three locations!
One can find the latest Instagram favorites, Hammitt Handbags, Hobo, Consuela, Carla Mancini, BedStu, Sherpani, Beside U and Vera Bradley in stores, too. Given Hammitt’s limited distribution, Braun is proud to have the largest selection of Hammitt products in the Midwest.
Additional jewelry lines include Uno de 50, eNewton, Brighton, My Saint My Hero, Ghirelli, Katie Loxton, Pura Vida and more.
Purse Strings also includes home décor with Mud Pie and Demdaco. They offer an exceptional gift-giving opportunity for house-warming gifts, weddings, birthdays and special occasions.
Braun is passionate about offering and supporting unique Indiana Brands such as BruMate, UnPlug Soy Candles, Vera Bradley, Reissued Books, Peepers Reading Glasses and DD Bird Handbags.
“I’ve always loved retail and the ever-changing environment it brings,” Braun adds. “Trends come and go, what drives me is the ability to offer micro-trends as well as core brands to my customers.”
Thankfully, the tide has turned with the pandemic and people are out shopping again. Now is the perfect time to check out the new Purse Strings location at Hamilton Town Center.
As the youngest of 12 children, his core values of faith, family and community are vitally important to Braun. Having a stepson with special needs, Braun has supported many organizations such as Down Syndrome Indiana, Best Buddies, Riley Dance Marathon and Special Olympics.
“I love having the opportunity to support many local schools, charities and churches with special shopping events throughout the year,” Braun says. “Connecting with the community and supporting those who support us is what truly drives Purse Strings!”
When shopping for that perfect gift for a loved one or yourself, Purse Strings is the perfect destination! All three stores offer an ever-changing selection of many unique options. Shop in-store or online at Pursestrings.shop and follow them on Instagram at @purse__strings or Facebook at @PurseStingsCarmel.
Purse Strings is located at 13185 Harrell Parkway, Suite #400 in Noblesville. For more information on the Indianapolis boutique, give them a call at 317-678-8956 or visit them online at pursestrings.shop.
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