In this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Irene Chen, Co-Founder of Parker Thatch, the California-based brand known for its functional luxury handbags and accessories. Irene shares how she and her husband, Matthew Grenby, built the company from its early days as an e-stationery business into a thriving eight-figure brand loved for its customizable, timeless designs.
We dive into the pivotal moment when handbag icon Kate Spade encouraged them to focus on accessories, the challenges of standing out in the competitive luxury market, and how Irene’s background at Donna Karan and Calvin Klein shaped her approach to building a brand. Irene also opens up about bootstrapping Parker Thatch’s growth, why personal expression is at the heart of every design, and what it’s like to run a company with your spouse while raising a family.
If you’re curious about scaling a brand, creating a strong community, or what it takes to build a business that lasts, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Irene’s inspiring journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Now on The Kara Goldin Show!

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at [email protected]. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Irene Chen and Parker Thatch:
https://www.instagram.com/parkerthatch/
https://notesfromirene.substack.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ParkerThatch
https://www.parkerthatch.com/

Sponsored By:

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit LandRoverUSA.com and check it out.

Shopify – Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/kara

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/654