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Sara Oliver Handbags, Redwoods' Knitters Head to 'Shark Tank'

11/30/2015

13 Comments

 
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Mill Valley resident Sara Oliver has garnered the opportunity of a lifetime – and she's got the Redwoods' Purlettes + One to thank for it.

Oliver's eponymous hand-knit handbag company, which has been buffeted for nearly a decade by the Purlettes + One community of knitters living at the Redwoods Retirement Community – will be featured on the Dec. 4th episode of Shark Tank, the popular ABC show that features entrepreneurs pitching their businesses to a panel of famed business people and investors in the hopes of getting their financial investment.

Oliver is seeking an investment in exchange for equity ownership in her business, and her application was picked from a pool of 55,000 entrepreneurs to pitch her business to the "sharks."

The Purlettes + One is a group of knitters that first came together at Oliver's request. Recalling that she first learned to knit from her mom and grandmother, Oliver approached the activities director at the Redwoods – she'd taken her kids to the senior community years earlier as part of a playgroup – to see about gathering a group of knitters. And so the Purlettes – their name reflects their “knit one, purl two” expertise, as well as the pearls of wisdom they impart," according to Oliver – was born. The "plus one" refers to Hector Richards, the sole male member of the group.

The relationship with the Purlettes + One has been so successful that Oliver is using it as a model to spread throughout the country. The members are paid for their work, and t
hey meet weekly with Oliver to get new assignments and to turn in their work from the previous week.

The 411: Sarah Oliver Handbags will appear on Shark Tank on ABC (Ch. 7) at 9pm Friday. Dec. 4. The show is slated to include footage of The Purlettes+1 (see below).


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13 Comments
Helen Russell
12/1/2015 07:44:56 pm

Wonderful story about Sara Oliver & the Purlettes. I would love to invite them all to Equator for an store pop up to sell the bags. Coffee & Tea on the house!! So inspirational. Congratulations Sara! Knock em Dead on SharkTank! Warmly, Helen Russell, Cofounder Equator Coffee

Reply
Elizabeth Johnson
12/4/2015 06:45:39 pm

I have a friend in an independent living community, she knits very well. Would love to make an income. Quality of life.

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Arlene
12/4/2015 06:45:56 pm

Where is your web site to purchase your wonderful handbags?

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Barb Murphy
12/4/2015 06:46:45 pm

Want to know more about your product, cold we bring it to the northeast?
I love it because you don't have to leave home to be productive with a quota. Leaves lots of room for design.

Reply
gayle hughes
12/4/2015 06:51:39 pm

I am 62 and love to knit. I would love to part of your Purlettes + 1. I made 1 felted wool bag a few years ago.

Reply
kelly alexander link
12/4/2015 06:53:04 pm

Your story touched my heart! Good for you and what a WONDERFUL idea!

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Susie
12/4/2015 07:09:25 pm

Please let me know where we may purchase these amazing handbags? Thank you!

Reply
ROBBIN RUNTAS link
12/4/2015 07:55:21 pm

NEED TO OST YOUR WEBSITE FOR HANDBAGS...AFTER TONIGHTS SHARK TANK SHOW YOU NEED TO POST THAT LINK

Reply
ROBBIN link
12/4/2015 07:57:22 pm

http://saraholiverhandbags.com/

Reply
elizabeth colasanti [betty]
12/7/2015 07:41:04 am

i live in de. would love to be part of these group i do a lot of croching to keep my head clear wood like some info thank you

Reply
Oriole Olson
12/7/2015 12:11:04 pm

Saw you on Shark Tank Friday evening. Your group is exactly what I am looking for to use my skill and hours to the best advantage. I am 81 and have been knitting since I was 5 years old. Address:
P.O. Box 178, Hammond, OR 97121---Phone 503-861-1357
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Reply
Kylie
12/8/2015 07:49:47 pm

In international falls mn and littlefork mn there are hurting individuals and there is no work force in our community. These elderly peoples are bored and want nothing more than a meaning of purpose. I have worked with these people for 3 years and this would be very special to our community. If you're about charity help this community by helping our vets and their hard working wifes feel like they are making a difference again as they did to make this country what it is today.

Reply
Nancy Axthelm
6/17/2016 08:58:21 pm

Would love to knit for you. Currently knitting prayer shawls

Reply



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