This week, we speak to Leeanne Hundleby, owner and co-founder of Strathberry, an Edinburgh-based accessories brand loved and renowned for its minimalist designs and meticulous craftsmanship.
Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
Before venturing into fashion, Leeanne worked in Human Resources field for the likes of Scottish Telecom, Scottish Power and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Along with her husband, Guy Hundleby, they set out to create Strathberry in 2013, after spending some time travelling in Southern Spain. Under Leeanne’s leadership, with the continued collaboration of her husband Guy, Strathberry has become a prominent name in contemporary luxury fashion, blending Scottish heritage with Spanish craftsmanship to create timeless designs that are made to be treasured for generations. Here, we delve deeper into Hundleby’s creative vision, lessons learned, and how her journey in the industry began.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Art was always my favourite subject. I loved the freedom of expression it allowed, and I was endlessly fascinated by colour, composition, and form. Looking back, it was probably the earliest hint at my future in fashion and design.
What was your first job?
My parents ran a seven-to-seven convenience store, so from a young age, my brother and I were drafted into the family business. Weekends weren’t for sleeping in – we were all expected to pull our weight. The experience instilled in me two key lessons that continue to shape my approach to work. First, the value of hard work and commitment; and second, the importance of adaptability, especially within the unique dynamics of a family-run business. Everyone pitches in and supports each other.
Leeanne Hundleby, co-founder of Strathberry
What inspired you to enter the fashion space and launch Strathberry?
Fate drew my husband, Guy, and myself to Spain in the early 2000s, and it was there that the idea for Strathberry truly began to take shape. We were deeply inspired by the incredible craftsmanship we encountered – skills passed down through generations and a profound respect for artisanal leatherwork. While travelling through Andalusia with our children, we stumbled upon the picturesque white villages and visited Ubrique for the first time. We connected with a family-run workshop, and that chance encounter became the foundation for what Strathberry is today.
To this day, we continue to collaborate with that original atelier, working closely with exceptional artisans who bring our designs to life, transforming hand-crafted paper and salpa maquettes into beautifully finished leather goods. Thirteen years later, those relationships are still at the heart of our brand, built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared passion for quality. As Strathberry has grown, we’ve expanded our network of workshops, all still based in Ubrique, ensuring every piece we create reflects our commitment to craftsmanship and longevity. No corners are ever cut, and that focus on quality is the soul of our brand.
What are some of the hero pieces from the brand since it launched, and which ones are your favourite?
Our Totes and East/West bags have become iconic styles and have really resonated with our global audience since the brand was launched. They strike the perfect balance between structure and softness, and of course, feature our signature music bar. Personally, I have a soft spot for the Lana Midi Bucket Bag, which was inspired by my love of everyday bucket bags. Not only is it named after me (my dad called me Lana when I was growing up) but, as a mum of 4, I need a bag I can fill with lots of everyday essentials – it’s the perfect size.
What are the key elements of your role?
As co-founder, my role is incredibly varied. I focus a lot on creative direction, partnerships, and brand storytelling. I’m also closely involved in product development and customer experience. No two days are ever quite the same, which keeps things exciting.
Talk us through your daily routine.
I usually start the day early with a coffee and a quick check of emails before taking some time with my children, getting them up and out of bed to school on time. Once I’m in the office, the day tends to revolve around meetings with the design and marketing teams, checking in on product development, and reviewing upcoming launches. I try to carve out quiet time in the late afternoon to focus on strategy. Evenings are for family, and I always try to switch off and be present. We have always eaten together as a family and still do that most nights of the week. We have a strict rule that no one is allowed a phone at the table (including me). This means we all talk and share stories. It’s one of the best times of the day, as the distractions of teenage life give way to real conversations and connections.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Stay curious, be resilient, and never underestimate the value of building strong relationships. The fashion industry can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also tough. You have to be passionate about what you’re doing, have a clear vision, and then be prepared to work incredibly hard to bring it to life.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
My father used to say, ‘Do the right thing, even when no one’s watching.’ That’s stuck with me throughout my life and career. So much so that we have built it formally into one of Strathberry’s values. Integrity isn’t always the easiest path, but it’s the one that builds real trust. In business, it means treating people fairly and with respect. At home, it’s about setting an example, not just through words but through a consistent approach to parenting. It’s a quiet kind of discipline, but one that builds deep trust and long-term respect and allows you to feel good about yourself along the way.
And what is the worst?
I was once told ‘grow fast or you get left behind’. It sounds impressive, but setting up a business is not a sprint. In the early days we were too hasty, we opened our first ever store in Edinburgh without a clear strategy. In reality, a business needs strong foundations on which to grow. I have witnessed businesses stretch too far, too fast, only to struggle under their own weight. I have learned the importance of thoughtful, steady growth. Having the right team, systems, processes and even values in place is super important for long-term success. Over a decade later, I am more likely to pause and reflect. This is essential to make sure that what we decide upon fits into the wider business strategy.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges we’ve encountered along the way was scaling the business while maintaining the same level of attention to detail and quality. Staying true to our values and building a sustainable brand has always been at the very core of what we do. We’ve learned that growth is an exciting goal, but staying grounded is equally important.
Balancing work with four young children can also be a juggle – it takes a lot of organization and prioritizing, but it’s incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally.
We’re proud of what we’ve built so far, and we have learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers – being present, doing your best, and being passionate about what you do is what truly counts.
What are your goals for the future – any Middle East expansion plans?
The Middle East is such an exciting and sophisticated market, and we’re seeing growing interest from customers in the region. We’d love to explore deeper retail partnerships and more immersive brand experiences there in the near future. Our dream would be our own store eventually in the Middle East. Ultimately, it’s about building relationships and finding the right opportunities that align with our brand values.
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